Bez is an 18 year old A Level Student, who enjoys running and sports. He is passionate about politics and philosophy and believes it's important that the younger generation use their vote. Read his reasons here:
According to the British Election Study, the proportion of 18-24 year olds exercising their right to vote has been consistently lower than every other age group since the 1970s. It’s an unquestionable fact that today's young adults are increasingly becoming disenchanted with our current political establishment. Many resonate with the ideas of Russell Brand who rose to prominence in British politics after advising his fans not to vote as ‘there’s nothing worth voting for’.
However, as a young person myself, I passionately believe the opposite. Do vote, everything is worth voting for. Whatever it is you believe in, or whatever social issues you feel passionate about whether it’s freedom, racial equality, climate change, LGBT issues or even if it’s a small matter of concern that affects your local area. Exercising your right to vote is the most powerful tool you have as a young adult - it’s a privilege we have by virtue of living in a western society.
By casting your vote, you’re able to express your beliefs and make sure your voice is heard. As of late, politicians have stopped making policies that specifically benefit the young as we no longer come out and vote. By choosing not to vote, money that could go towards your education or local area is being spent fulfilling the needs of the rich and the old. In an ideal world, a politician would set out to improve the lives of everyone in their country, but sadly the world isn’t as ideal as we would want it to be. Every political party’s aim is to win elections and the only way to do that is to win votes, your vote can’t be won if it’s not being used.
As a demographic, we have the power to swing elections, to choose who we want our leaders to be - do we really want to throw that power away? Would you like to see your tuition fees lowered? More green spaces in your neighbourhood? More funding go to your school or local youth clubs? Get out there, get registered and cast your vote! As Martin Luther King famously said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”.
