Why people should use their right to vote There are many reasons why people should vote Unfortunately, not everyone does. In the constituency St. Andrew’s is in, called Glasgow East, turnout at the 2010 UK General Election was just 52.3%. For the 2011 Scottish General Election, turnout in Glasgow Provan was just 34.5% and in Glasgow Shettleston 37.7%.

Why people should use their right to vote Why people should use their right to vote

Why people should use their right to vote 1.In a democracy rights have corresponding responsibilities Voting is a right or freedom so we have a responsibility or moral duty to use that right, especially since people in the past like the suffragettes fought for you to have the right to vote Voting is compulsory in some countries like Australia and Belgium and people are fined for not voting

Why people should use their right to vote 2.Voting gives you the right to a say in how you are governed If people do not vote they have no say in how the country is governed. Voting lets representatives know the opinions of the people and the things that they want done. In the 2010 UK General election, many people opposed the Labour government’s policies to do with war in Iraq/Afghanistan and the economy. So many people voted for other parties at the election and Labour lost the election.

Why people should use their right to vote 3.Low turnout is a threat to democracy Voter apathy (people not bothering to vote) means that representatives are elected by only a few people but make decisions for everyone. Turnout has fallen significantly in the UK in the last 50 years. A political party might come to power with only a few votes and then decide to get rid of elections. This is similar to what Robert Mugabe did in Zimbabwe where elections exist but are corrupt. He has been in power since 1980.

Credit KU Question Why is it important that people should use their vote? 6 marks The turnout at UK elections is seldom over 70%. People should use their vote

Model Answer… POINT – The first reason why people should use their right to vote is because it is a freedom they have in a democracy like the UK. EXPLAIN – Rights usually have responsibilities attached so people have a duty or responsibility to protect democracy and prevent a dictatorship by using their vote. EXAMPLE – Countries such as Australia and Belgium insist that people vote so as to protect democracy.