Today is the day that will shape the next five years of all our lives, so do not forget to use your vote, and use it wisely.
Recently I’ve come into contact with several people that have said they aren’t voting and used “what’s the point” and “it won’t change anything” as an excuse.
Utter nonsense. Absolute codswallop. Your vote matters.
My main gripe is people that don’t vote have no grounds whatsoever to complain about anything that concerns our dear government and public service.
If you don’t vote, but then have an overwhelming wave of emotion towards a certain service, or a tax increase, or something that will directly impact you – you have no right to complain, because you weren’t prepared to tick a box on a piece of paper.
A tick that people fought to give us.
Just Vote
You’re not being forced to go to war, forced under a regime, or forced to conform. But, I would certainly attempt to twist your arm and get you to vote.
People have given their lives to enable this democracy that we are part of. If you’re not prepared to do it for you, do it for them.
It was less than 146 years ago that women were given the vote in the Isle of Man, and not even 100 years ago that women in the UK were allowed the same rights as a man to vote freely.
The point is to be part of democracy, treasure that vote, and be immensely proud that you do get a say.
Turnout in the 2021 General Election sat at 50.7%, slightly down on 53% in 2016. After the storm I’ve watched on social media and in the Tynwald chamber, along with the budget (pre the increase in personal allowances), I would certainly hope the turnout is higher than 50-odd%.
Who to Vote For?
This is personal. You shouldn’t be influenced in how to use your vote. However, I’d suggest doing your homework.
Regardless of whether you loved their dad, they may be a very nice person, or whether you knew their grandma – that is not enough.
What do they know? What have they done? What are their political beliefs? They’re the real values that matter.
We need politicians with backbone, politicians that aren’t going to fall to the whimsical wishes of the civil service, and politicians that realise they’re spending other people’s money with an overwhelming sense of economic reality.
We don’t need idealists, we need 24 realists. Realists that can justify their spending, realists that have conviction behind their beliefs, and realists that can represent us on an international stage.
We need experience, whether that be political or business. We need leaders that are prepared to grab the bull by the horns and listen to the problems, but also act upon them.
You’ve listened to me blabber on for long enough, so get voting. Polling stations across the island open at 8am today and will close at 8pm.
Democracy only works when people show up.
However a note to the successful candidates, I cannot wait for the gag of purdah to be removed and then we can let the games begin.
