Use your vote

I really believe that, this time round, it is absolutely vital that every entitled voter uses his/her vote. Our country stands at a crossroads. It doesn t matter, in some ways, which way anyone votes, so long as that valuable vote is used.

I really believe that, this time round, it is absolutely vital that every entitled voter uses his/her vote. Our country stands at a crossroads. It doesn't matter, in some ways, which way anyone votes, so long as that valuable vote is used.

A few years ago, when the town council came up for election, we had a Honiton turn out of around 35 per cent and thought we had done well in achieving that. Turn the figures around, however, and that means 65 per cent of the electorate didn't bother to utilise their vote. Extrapolate this into a national scenario, and that would mean that, quite possibly, the "wrong" set of politicians would be returned to Parliament by default. And, of course, if someone hasn't used that vote, how then can they criticise whatever decisions are made, ostensibly on their behalf?

I have often heard it said in recent months that "voting is a waste of time, they are all crooks and out for what they can get", etc, etc. How do we stop that ?

The solution is clear. A 100 per cent turn out on polling day and a clear message to all politicians that the country has had enough and wants to see proper, open and accountable governance.

Not so long ago, many brave women fought for the right of every woman to vote, whether or not she was married, owned property or whatever.

It is only in my lifetime that each citizen over the age of 21, and latterly 18, has been able to vote.

It is a huge privilege, and responsibility. Let it not be wasted. To pinch a phrase used in other circumstances "use it or lose it"!

Liz Tirard

High Street

Honiton