We’ve covered many elections over the years and, each time, we urge people to exercise their democratic right and cast their vote. It’s a hard-won right, and one that many fought and died for but in spite of this, turn-out is often shockingly low.
The last few general elections have seen only around two-thirds, in some cases less, taking part in the ballot. One in three people are not engaging in politics and their voice will not be heard.
If there is one positive outcome from three years of Brexit arguing, we can at least say people are more politically engaged than they have been for a long time.
We have high hopes turnout will be much higher.
Even if you are griping about the first past the post voting system, or feel no single party or candidate fully aligns with your beliefs, your vote truly does make a difference.
And, if the latest polls are anything to go by, the race could be a lot closer than any of us expected – and even result in a hung parliament.
In this time of uncertainty and constitutional wrangling, our parliament is still recognised as one of the oldest representative assemblies in the world and a beacon of democracy.
Before Brexit, it has wrestled with bigger constitutional fractures from the Reformation, interregnum, act of union, and Irish independence, and throughout has survived and recast itself for modern times.
Abandoning your vote now is the easy way out for the frustrated, irritated and apathetic.
By voting you will be helping to find a way forward to rebuild our politically divided society – it’s a patriotic act.
If you’re still unsure how to reconcile your views on the NHS, crime, education, the EU, the union, and the climate emergency, our interviews with all candidates standing in Southwark’s three constituencies are online:
dev.southwarknews.co.uk/news/general-election-southwark-candidates-2019/