“Not just a right, but a responsibility”: members’ own reasons for voting

On Thursday (7 May), elections will be held for Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, over 5,000 English council seats, 136 councils and 6 mayors in England, plus two Welsh council by-elections.

As a citizen, as a civil servant and particularly as a trade union member, making your vote count in your area is an essential part of our shared political life. Here are some of the compelling reasons PCS members have given for finding the right candidate and voting for them on 7 May. 

DWP member Reece says: “I’m voting because my rights, and the rights of people like me were hard-won, not guaranteed. With the far right trying to roll back progress, it’s on all of us to show up, stand together, and vote to protect our communities and our future.”

Nikki from HMRC says: “It's your vote, your election – and it ensures that mine or your concerns are heard. It's not just a right, but a responsibility to and create a better future, for ourselves and future generations.”

Rose will use her vote to try to bring about change: “Not to be acted upon but to use my vote and my voice – to be proactive in influencing change for a fair and safe and society.”

And Sean links the personal with the political: “Voting is a deeply personal matter, but your vote does not exist in a vacuum. Vote for yourself, yes – but also for the future, your communities and this planet. Only together with constant pressure can we make this country one everyone is welcome in and can thrive in.”

This article is published in English but can be translated easily into Welsh using the Recite Me toolbar on this website.