The recent events in the United Kingdom (UK) provide a compelling case for voting.
The polls in England showed at the time that a large majority of young people preferred to remain in the European Union as opposed to (Br)exiting the Union.
The polls illustrated further that the reason why young Brits preferred to remain in the Union was because of the benefits associated with it.
For instance, easy travelling; the ability to study abroad and generally the exchange of cultural experiences that came with the Union.
How does this relate to you?
Brexit prevailed and the hopes of young Brits streamed down the English Channel, rather tragically.
The real tragedy lay in the voting statistics, which revealed that of all the eligible young people, very few of them voted.
When compared to the older generation the statistics revealed that a large number of “older people” turned out in their numbers.
As such young Brits outsourced their fate and choice to the older generation.
Considering that the older generation will not be around to fully appreciate the effects of their decisions results seem grossly unfair.
Unfortunately that is the net effect of democracy: if you fail to exercise your right to vote you are confined to a future you do not want.
Furthermore, there is a great deal of concern amongst analysts in the UK that most of the voters based their decision on sensationalism instead of facts.
The effect is the UK has plunged back into an era it would rather forget.
For instance the rise of bigotry and hostility towards migrants, all for a vague notion of nationalism.
In South Africa irresponsible voting or even a simple lack of youth participation will guarantee the status quo.
That is a society of two nations wherein transformation for historically disadvantaged individuals remains stagnant vis-a-vis those on the opportunity end of society.
Unfortunately this a historical fact that needs to be addressed systematically, and it will not change overnight. Parties with radical propositions fail to acknowledge the fact that change is constant and continuous.
To this end Germany is a good case study: it has taken over 40 years for Germany to be fully integrated.
It’s also important to note the upcoming elections are not about national issues.
These local government elections are about our everyday life.
Fortunately we can hold the people we elect directly accountable, because chances are we will bump into them at Spar.
Moreover councillors are obliged to establish a ward committee which is expected to be intimately familiar with the details of what is happening at your local police station or why you don’t have Wi-Fi yet.
In essence one should vote in these elections so that one has direct control over one’s future.
Your decision should be based on fact, not sensationalism or even populism.
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