Local Elections: The historical and democratic importance of the vote
Local Elections take place in many areas on 2nd May. turn out is likely to be on the low side, it usually has been for such elections even though the Councils elected do make a significant difference to people’s daily lives for better or worse. In 2024 turnout is likely to be further suppressed by a Tory requirement for PhotoID
I’m far from an obsessive about elections of any kind, but participation in democratic elections is important.
It’s important because there far right to fascist candidates in some places that need to be resoundingly defeated and important to, to send a message to Sunak on thing he does care about- getting votes to stay in power locally and ultimately nationally.
It’s also important because the Chartists fought for the right to vote for men, not finally achieved until 1918 and the Suffragettes did the same for women. The vote was not handed out by those at the top of society it had to be won, and as ID issue underlines, it could disappear.
So vote on 2nd May where you have the chance. It may not mean much in itself but the fight to win you the right to vote in the first place means a lot and that means it’s worth exercising it.
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