A by-election due on 28th September for South Wymondham, caused by the sad and untimely death of our mate Cllr Julian Halls, makes this election feels personal.
Julian was not only a terrific friend and colleague but he was an excellent councillor for our area so we’re trying our best to retain South Wymondham as a LibDem stronghold.
Part of our campaign which operates across various methods of electioneering, includes our candidates meeting and greeting people (nothing unusual there, we LibDems do this throughout the year not just at election time).
But I heard of rather worrying anecdotal evidence that some of our women residents canvassed say that they don’t vote. Now I don’t know if because this is a local by-election they won’t vote as they may think it’s not a big deal or whether they don’t vote full stop. Like, ever.
So I’m asking the question: don’t women vote? I know I do and many of my female friends do but to those who don’t, why not?
Is politics still seen as a ‘male’ thing? Is it because we have a distinct lack of women not only in Westminster but in local government too? Is politics so toxic that women are just put off by the constant point scoring, truth bending, alpha maleness of it all?
I have long held the belief, along with many others, that our politicians are suffering from being stale, male and pale. The lack of diversity is astounding even in the 21st century. Policies and decisions are being made by people who seem to have no concept of what it is like to run a family home, juggle jobs and childcare, and take on the daily school run.
Why have we never had a woman Chancellor for example when most women will be able to tell you how they manage family finances far better than any male politician?
But coming back to the original question. If women don’t vote, whether in a small local by-election or a General Election, is it any wonder that those elected are just carbon copies of what’s gone before? How will things change if we keep voting for more of the same? Was the Suffragette movement which successfully championed the right of women to vote all in vain?
I think some of this is to do with not knowing much about politics (not everyone is as invested which is a fair comment) and not wanting to admit ignorance.
For example at a recent Women’s Institute meeting, myself and my Deputy Mayor were questioned about a number of points regarding our roles. Not everyone speaks politics and I’ve no problem with that, very happy to chat and explain. But if the fear of not appearing knowledgeable holds people back from voting, it’s a very sad indictment of how poorly we as politicians explain what goes on (another example: after the EU Referendum vote closed, the most searched for term on Google was ‘what is the EU?’)
When anyone asks me about politics I’m always happy to answer questions. A well informed electorate, which has a grasp of the issues it faces and who are best placed to tackle those issues, is the nirvana we as politicians should seek. Well, at least the progressive ones.
Voters don’t realise just how powerful their little Xs (or ticks) in boxes next to a candidates name are.
Women who don’t vote may not realise just how much their choices affect their families and that includes not voting (particularly at local level where arguably local decisions made affect families far more.)
Of course, you will say, I’m a politician so this blog will naturally be from my point of view as an elected official. Yet the thought of not having a say in how government or councils are run because I didn’t exercise my right to vote is a concept that is alien to me.
Ultimately voting is everyone’s right and not voting is also a choice and a right.
But by not voting, you are allowing someone who is possibly not the best person for the job, make life choices for you.
*South Wymondham by-election is 28th September. Please go and vote. If you have any questions about this or any other aspect of local politics please feel free to get in touch. Suzannelibdem@gmail.com
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