Thursday 6 May 2010

Vote

So here we are: election day.

This blog isn't about politics, which is lucky really as I don't know where to start with how I feel about the current state of affairs.

So all I am going to say is go and vote.

Why? well you have the democratic right not to of course, which is wonderful, but for me it's important because:

People died so that I could put a cross in a box and quite recently in my case as a woman

I see people in other countries with even more rotten hopeless politicians than ours queuing up for days to do so

I still respect the idea of parliament and want to be part of democracy

If none of this matters to you then perhaps just go to enjoy the make do and mend polling stations, the way nothing has changed in them for probably eighty years, being harassed by the exit pollsters and messing with their minds- or telling them it's a secret ballot and to just wait twelve hours.

16 comments:

Ines said...

You always vote on Thursday or is there some other way this is scheduled (we always vote on Sundays)?
I'm sorry to hear you are in such bad politics-wise shape. But except for Greece, I can't believe there is a European country where people are so apathetic and use so many anti-depressants because the whole political structure is so corrupt and doesn't hold on to the principle they are there because of us the people but think of it as their god given right to steal and do whatever they want.
I'm sorry this came as a rant, I'm just so angry with what they've been doing the last 15 years and the last year especially!

Laura said...

Brilliantly put. I'm excited to vote today.

Rose said...

Hi Ines- yes always Thursdays- then count overnight and tomorrow so basically we have the weekend for everyone to rest and go go on Monday! I'm afraid I am far more ignorant of your political situation than I should be. We have all been suffering for what banks and organisations bigger than countries have been allowed to do for many years I think. Although I moan we are really very lucky here- but this election is important in re- engaging people in this country and hopefully having a fresh start.

Hi BPT- I know! I've been and gone and done it and now we just wait!

Jayne said...

I love your observation about polling stations. They always look like they have been cobbled together by some sort of Blue Peter exercise in cardboard and marker pens. I like my right to vote, for the reasons you say. After all, you cannot moan about the state of the country if you do not take part! And I love watching the Election night specials - mainly to watch the folk who gather in a shed at midnight to cheer wildly when the cameras roll.

Emily said...

Wish I was legally allowed to vote but I'm not an English national:( hope whoever I want to win wins:) Great post, well spoken. Democracy rules!

Rose said...

Hi Jayne- yes it's Blue Peter- you're so right. I like watching results too- even though it's maddening and steals sleep. I had a big plan to go home and have a discoelection nap but now I have to go out- lots of coffee tomorrow I think!

Hi Emily- ah that's a bind- does that mean you did get to vote in the very exciting American election though? that must have felt amazing! as you say democracy is the thing

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Yes. Vote!
Good for you!

Vanessa said...

I voted, and am happy to report that I managed to get Mr Bonkers to vote the same way, which was no small feat. He usually either doesn't vote or votes for some silly marginal candidate as a protest. And he is one of those people who puts "Jedi" as his religion on census forms...

Mr London Street said...

Beautifully written. I have a "POLLING STATION" sign framed on the wall of my living room. A few years back we were at a polling station and my wife asked if she could have one.

"I'm afraid we're not allowed to let you." said the formidable looking lady, "But I'll look away in a second and I won't notice if you take one."

Jayne said...

Hi Rose - I actually did have a pre-election nap! Haha. Only managed to stay awake until midnight though, as I knew dragging myself to work otherwise would have been impossible.

Rose said...

Jayne hello! well I didn't get one in the end- got in about 11 and watched til 2am then fell asleep- then up at 6. Coffee and sugar are my only friends today. Seems like we might be doing it all again quite soon...

Rose said...

Hi Pamela- thank you!

Hi flittersniffer- good work. I am afraid I have put Jedi down a census form before too... but I wouldn't actually vote Jedi- unless Alex Guiness was still with us, then I might!

Hi Mr LS- thank you very much, that means a lot when I enjoy your writing so much. That lady sounds so charming- and isn't that British to just turn a blind eye. Perhaps you could be on stand by with your living room if the polling stations get to busy when we do all this again in 6 months!

Metropolitan Mum said...

I did vote - it was only on the local elections as I am not allowed to vote on the national one, but I am sure my voice is being recognised.

Metropolitan Mum said...

I did vote - it was only on the local elections as I am not allowed to vote on the national one, but I am sure my voice is being recognised.

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Yes so important! I am anxiously awaiting to see what happens from across the pond!

PS- sorry I haven not stopped by as much as I'd like to- just taking things very easy with the pregnancy and not getting much done! xx

Hope you're well xx

Rose said...

Hi MM- oh yes of course- well it was a muddle in the end wasn't it- I think our voice is being heard yes, am not sure they are all that worried about doing as we ask or whether doing what gets them in power is best but anyway...

Hello Daily- it's been such a strange election! I'm sure your family have explained that this hasn't happened for a long time- never in my life.

Oh please don't worry- I hope pregnancy is going brilliantly- I love the pictures of the nursey- I want to move in! xx