Well, the deed is done. I put a cross next to the candidate’s name, dropped the ballot in the box and in doing so exercised my democratic freedom. Waiting to give my name to get my voting slip, I couldn’t help thinking ‘what a fucking joke.’ Not just because of the depressing details that I couldn’t help but notice; the fact that, at six o clock it should have been a busy voting time but there was only me and Owen in the entire building. Not just because the party Owen wanted to vote for didn’t even have a candidate standing in our ward, or because the women who took our names had a look on her face of utter despair and boredom. All these things were pretty lousy but above and beyond that, to me the whole thing just felt like one huge big ridiculous fucking farce.
What I wanted to write all over my ballot: ‘There is no such thing as democracy anymore in this country. I will not play along with your pointless charade.’
What, in reality, I did write: X (next to the Green Party candidate)
Why? For the same reason that I will not allow myself not to vote, even though I am totally disillusioned with British party politics and the utter corruption of local government. I am an idealist, a dreamer, and I just could not bring myself to spoil my vote. It seems such a negative, wasteful thing to do, even if it does reflect my line of thinking more than any positive vote could. I told myself that I was acting out of respect for the people who died trying to get me that vote. I stood in the cubicle, thinking of those women and men chained to railings, thrown in prison, dying all over the place so I could put that cross on that paper. That does, undeniably weigh heavily on my conscience and it did influence my decision. Also, I do agree with a lot of the Green Party manifesto and have voted for them many times in the past. Still, I feel like a bit of a coward for not putting what I thought. Even if only one vote counter had read what I said it would have made a point.
We are not living in a free and fair democracy. Our vote does not matter one jot. The truth is that Corporations are the real policy makers, both locally and nationally, rather than just lowly politicians, or, perish the thought, voters. If you want to make a difference then it’s probably more effective to vote with your talents, your money and your time. Some humble suggestions (aimed at myself more than anyone else): don’t shop at the out of town Tesco that’s ripping the city centre apart, even if it’s the only place that does stock the organic pink grapefruit that you love for breakfast. Make sacrifices. Simply don’t buy the local newspaper that devotes page after page to scaremongering, shitstiring and racist gossip making the streets feel unsafe and causing deep divisions in the community. Consider spending a couple of hours a week volunteering at a local project or charity that is actually something you believe in and helps bring people together for a cause other than money. Treat others with respect; maybe there isn’t such a thing as true altruism but looking out for your neighbours; saying hello, getting to know their names, offering to feed their cat when they go away is always a good start. If someone in the street falls over, help them stand up. If you bump into someone, say sorry. Support local arts events, rather than always going for big names, go to concerts of small local bands who have something to say. Visit galleries of promising regional artists, book tickets to see the amateur dramatics or youth theatre productions. If you are confident enough, join a committee. One night a month on the school governors or the local hospital might make a difference to something of massive local importance and you will find yourself with a surprising amount of power. There are loads and loads of things you can do to help local issues.
If we really want to think local on this Election Day, then we should probably commit more than just a pointless cross. For a long time I have believed that corporations are winning this battle by alienating us from our environment and our fellow human beings. I have always believed that acting locally is the way to fight a global war. It makes the problem more manageable, less overwhelming, more rewarding (in my head I think of it a bit like the GCSE bitesize course run by the BBC!) Let’s face it, if everybody, self included, was more involved in their community, we would be a lot less alienated, far less divided and therefore a step closer to solving the global problems.
What I wanted to write all over my ballot: ‘There is no such thing as democracy anymore in this country. I will not play along with your pointless charade.’
What, in reality, I did write: X (next to the Green Party candidate)
Why? For the same reason that I will not allow myself not to vote, even though I am totally disillusioned with British party politics and the utter corruption of local government. I am an idealist, a dreamer, and I just could not bring myself to spoil my vote. It seems such a negative, wasteful thing to do, even if it does reflect my line of thinking more than any positive vote could. I told myself that I was acting out of respect for the people who died trying to get me that vote. I stood in the cubicle, thinking of those women and men chained to railings, thrown in prison, dying all over the place so I could put that cross on that paper. That does, undeniably weigh heavily on my conscience and it did influence my decision. Also, I do agree with a lot of the Green Party manifesto and have voted for them many times in the past. Still, I feel like a bit of a coward for not putting what I thought. Even if only one vote counter had read what I said it would have made a point.
We are not living in a free and fair democracy. Our vote does not matter one jot. The truth is that Corporations are the real policy makers, both locally and nationally, rather than just lowly politicians, or, perish the thought, voters. If you want to make a difference then it’s probably more effective to vote with your talents, your money and your time. Some humble suggestions (aimed at myself more than anyone else): don’t shop at the out of town Tesco that’s ripping the city centre apart, even if it’s the only place that does stock the organic pink grapefruit that you love for breakfast. Make sacrifices. Simply don’t buy the local newspaper that devotes page after page to scaremongering, shitstiring and racist gossip making the streets feel unsafe and causing deep divisions in the community. Consider spending a couple of hours a week volunteering at a local project or charity that is actually something you believe in and helps bring people together for a cause other than money. Treat others with respect; maybe there isn’t such a thing as true altruism but looking out for your neighbours; saying hello, getting to know their names, offering to feed their cat when they go away is always a good start. If someone in the street falls over, help them stand up. If you bump into someone, say sorry. Support local arts events, rather than always going for big names, go to concerts of small local bands who have something to say. Visit galleries of promising regional artists, book tickets to see the amateur dramatics or youth theatre productions. If you are confident enough, join a committee. One night a month on the school governors or the local hospital might make a difference to something of massive local importance and you will find yourself with a surprising amount of power. There are loads and loads of things you can do to help local issues.
If we really want to think local on this Election Day, then we should probably commit more than just a pointless cross. For a long time I have believed that corporations are winning this battle by alienating us from our environment and our fellow human beings. I have always believed that acting locally is the way to fight a global war. It makes the problem more manageable, less overwhelming, more rewarding (in my head I think of it a bit like the GCSE bitesize course run by the BBC!) Let’s face it, if everybody, self included, was more involved in their community, we would be a lot less alienated, far less divided and therefore a step closer to solving the global problems.
2 comments:
I really don't know who to vote for anymore and I'm seriously considering spoiling my ballot next time round.
Elections always get me so stressed out, because they remind me about the serious lack of choice around.
Well done though for writing a blog about the difficulties of voting and making it politically inspiring and uplifting.
Makes me want to get active and get local.
x
I'm glad you found it inspiring. I was worried that i might have crossed the line between uplifting and preachy, but I'm glad you thought the former!
Jx
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