On Thursday next week voters across the country will be going to the polls. Many, including in South Gloucestershire, will be voting for the very first time.
First of all, we’d like to say a huge welcome to all those who have turned 18 since we last had an election in this area. We know that you probably didn’t get to have the 18th birthday you’d planned and have likely had exams, work and everything else disrupted by the pandemic.
With all that going on, maybe you are wondering why you should care about local elections. After all, as some like to say, what difference does it make?
It’s true that local politics rarely makes the headlines. Decisions taken at a local level are rarely glamorous. But they are vital for our everyday lives. They include decisions about the resources for local services, choices about transport and where houses are built. They include what opportunities there are for young people, how people are kept safe, and how our green spaces are protected.
Not all the same
Contrary to what some people say, politicians aren’t all the same. Obviously as South Glos Green Party, we’d love for you to put your X by a Green candidate. But don’t just take our word for it. Take a look at the manifestos of the parties and candidates and see what we stand for. Decide which parties share your priorities.
On Thursday 6th May those on the electoral roll in South Glos can vote for West of England Combined Authority mayor (our candidate is Jerome Thomas) and for Police and Crime Commissioner (our candidate is Cleo Lake). And, if you live in the Frenchay and Downend ward you can also vote for a South Glos councillor (our candidate is Oliver Owen).
Be part of the decisions
Whichever party you choose, do go and vote. Over recent centuries, around the world and in our own country, women and marginalised groups have often had to fight for the right to vote. If you’ve recently turned 18, you yourselves had no say in who our prime minister is, that we left the European Union, or what choices are made on a host of local issues.
That changes next week!
Happy voting day!
And if you’d like to learn more about the Green Party or about what we are doing in South Gloucestershire, we’d love to hear from you. Comment on this post, email us or follow us on Twitter or Facebook.
