| Elections are an exciting, yet sometimes confusing | | | | If you've found a party you're in agreement with |
| time for many voters. Whilst some people | | | | and it happens to be a smaller player in the |
| immediately know which party they're going to | | | | political field, don't hesitate to vote for them. |
| give their vote, others are uncertain about the | | | | There's a common misconception that such a |
| options they're presented with. | | | | vote would be a wasted one. However, just |
| It doesn't help that in some countries there isn't a | | | | because they stand a relatively smaller chance in |
| whole lot of information given to the voters - at | | | | the elections doesn't mean you should therefore |
| best, there will be a leaflet dropped in the mailbox | | | | give your vote to a major party instead - not if |
| with some basic notes about how that specific | | | | you don't particularly want to vote for that major |
| party is better than the other ones. | | | | party! |
| And what if the options all appear so similar? | | | | It's a bit of a catch-22 situation. If people believe |
| What if you don't particularly trust any of the | | | | smaller parties will never win and that therefore a |
| parties? What if you don't think the party of your | | | | vote for them is a wasted vote, then they won't |
| choice stands a chance in the elections... should | | | | receive any votes and won't get elected. If |
| you still vote for them? Why should you vote at | | | | people take a chance and vote for the party |
| all, when it may not make a difference? | | | | they want to, regardless of said party being |
| First of all, your vote does count. This may not | | | | smaller, that party will gain more votes and might |
| always seem to be the case, because it's just | | | | actually stand a chance. At the very least it will |
| one little vote, but when many people stop voting | | | | send a message out that the major parties aren't |
| it's easier for the current establishment to stay in | | | | representing the views of a significant amount of |
| place. That's not always a problem, if the current | | | | people. |
| leadership is fine, but if it's change that you want, | | | | That said, I do not recommend the so-called |
| I recommend going out there and vote for the | | | | protest vote. There are people willing to vote for |
| change you desire. | | | | smaller parties just because they do not trust |
| It is true that, for example in the UK, there does | | | | any of the options available, especially not the |
| not appear to be that much of a difference | | | | major players. The parties attracting the protest |
| between the main parties. It's easy, then, to feel | | | | voters tend to be those of a more extreme |
| like it doesn't matter who is in charge. My advice | | | | nature. |
| is to have a close look at all the available options, | | | | If you want to vote for a party because you |
| from the main parties to the smaller ones. | | | | believe in what they represent, and if you feel |
| Leaflets may not present the voter with a lot of | | | | you can live with their policies should they gain the |
| information, which is why I recommend an online | | | | majority vote, then that is fine because it means |
| search for the parties' websites. The material on | | | | you've chosen the party for you. However, if you |
| offer can be a bit dry, but at least you'll find out | | | | only vote to send out a message to the other |
| what the parties stand for and what their plans | | | | parties, please consider how it would feel if said |
| are, should they be elected. | | | | party was elected and you'd have to live with |
| It's unlikely that you'll find an option that will be | | | | policies you may not particularly agree with. |
| completely in line with your ideals. It's important to | | | | In all cases, I recommend research. Read up on |
| weigh the good against the bad. How bad is the | | | | what each of the options offers you. Ask |
| bad? Would you be able to live with those | | | | questions if needs be. Make certain that proposed |
| aspects? Are the good policies worth it? If you | | | | policies make sense and that they are workable. |
| are uncertain, don't hesitate to contact your local | | | | Make certain that you are informed. |
| representative of said party. They should be able | | | | Most of all, make your vote count. Best of luck in |
| to answer any questions you might have. | | | | the elections! |