Elections. They come, they go. But in today’s secular age they come, they linger and they seem to bring hardly any clarity after the fuss of it all. As a nation I’m sure we can all agree, we’ve been through quite a lot. I don’t need to mention that famous word – I’m sure you know exactly what I’m on about. Which is why it’s quite understandable and arguably daunting that when word spreads that another voting is in order, people can’t exactly rake their head around as to why. 

But in a day and age where executive decisions are made largely from people who are least likely to endure the repercussions the most, it’s pivotal that we have our say, even if it seems hopeless. So what are the European Elections, and why should you make the small effort to get out of bed and vote for them today?

What are the European Elections which people aged 18 and over are able to vote towards today?

The European Elections are the process of UK nationals electing MEP’s (Members of the European Parliament) to represent the UK within the European Parliament. 

What would you be voting for, when voting at the European Election? 

According to the BBC nine English regions, Wales and Scotland, have a certain number of MEPs, calculated using a form of proportional representation known as the D’Hondt formula. A complex system devised by a Belgian mathematician and lawyer Victor D’Hondt in the late 19th Century. In hindsight we are voting using a calculated formula, to assign who we would like to represent us (The UK) in the European Parliament.

Where can you vote for the European Elections today?

At your local polling station, today (Thursday 23rd May 2019) from the hours 07:00 to 22:00, if you are registered to vote.

Why should you prioritise voting today? Here are a few mindful politically exempt concepts to consider..

• Self-Expression: whatever you vote for, your voice matters. Although it may seem like a contribution of one, wouldn’t you rather know you had a say in who governs our society and economy instead of saying you didn’t?

• To honour Women Suffragettes: As of last year it became a 100 years since a majority of British women were able to obtain the right to vote. Incredible suffragettes such as Emily Davison, lost their lives trying to achieve what we have today which translates to the privilege we perceive of being able to vote.

• To practice being an active member of society: Even if you disagree with what is currently happening in politics. Being an active member of society is healthy, it also allows the voting jurisdiction to be more diverse.

So if your in your twenties like me, and you missed out on the age requirements to vote for Brexit, we might have not been able to say ‘fix or change what happened then’ but we sure as hell, to a certain extent can begin to try and work towards change.

For more information about voting in today’s election, please click here for safeguarded news via the BBC.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-politics-48190925