Don’t take my vote for granted

Jun 12 2009

IF you listened to politicians recently you would believe that they were deeply concerned about how voters perceive them.

In the run-up to the European elections not one candidate or party deemed me important enough to come and visit my home and try to convince me that they had the policies and visions to solve our country’s problems.

To be honest, I was not entirely surprised. In the seven years I have lived in Kilmarnock only one party has come to my door and asked for my vote (it was the Tories and I didn’t vote for them).

However, what truly shocked me about these elections is that when I turned up at the polling station to cast my vote not one single candidate or party was in attendance to try and persuade me to vote for them.

I can understand the three main parties not being there (fear of being lynched for stealing our taxes). But UKIP, the Christian Party, BNP and all the others. Not a single party representative.

Is it any wonder that our democracy is undermined by voter apathy? Politicians, I believe, do not care a single jot for Mr Joe Public.

The evidence of the last few weeks indicates that they are only in it for their own financial gain. Where has the commitment to ‘public service’ gone?

I have decided that the next time I have to vote, I will vote for the first party to knock on my door and explain to me why they should have my vote.

I no longer care if it is UKIP, BNP, Labour, LibDem or even the Tories. I just want someone to show they care and do not take my vote for granted.

Politicians, the ball is firmly in your court.

– Mark Hollinsworth, Southcraig.