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How did you vote and why today

(15 Posts)
M0nica Thu 07-May-26 20:28:23

Obviously some will choose to keep that to themselves. But I went to the polls feeling very angry today.

Local government elections are meant to be about local issues, but inevitably they do reflect what is happening nationally, but this year I feel national issues completely hi-jacked the whole local government process, Todays local elections are being seen and have been treated in the media as a proxy national elelction to confirm or undermine our current governments legitimacy.

The papers are full of long analysese of this govenment, what it has not done since being elected, how long Keir Starmer can stay as PM, the back biting and infighting between contenders for his job. Local issues, what matters to us in our towns villages and rural areas. schools, potholes rubbish collection , who cares about that when we can have another photoshoot of KS, or another story about Angela Rayner

Anyway, i was so fed up I deserted the party I have voted for for the last 60 plus years and gave all my votes to the independents, one only 18. They seemed to be the only people in this whole shamble that cares about us, the people living in these different council areas and write to us about local issues.

MawsRosie Thu 07-May-26 20:32:32

I voted the way I always do.
Secretly.

dayvidg Thu 07-May-26 20:41:57

First time ever to not vote. Have become more and more disillusioned about the state of politics in this country - just don't care any more.

Ilovecheese Thu 07-May-26 20:42:06

I voted to return our local councillor. I am pretty happy with our council. I feel lucky to live where I do.

srn63 Thu 07-May-26 20:49:50

It's funny isn't it, we are all told that we must vote, but what would happen if no one voted because we are so disillusioned with the candidates that we think none of them are fit for the job?

GrannyGravy13 Thu 07-May-26 21:01:57

Only County Council elections here as they are changing our boundaries and local elections delayed for second year.

I voted for the independent candidate as they are someone we know and trust. They have been extremely successful on local council.

BlueBelle Thu 07-May-26 21:06:57

I voted tactically

SORES Thu 07-May-26 21:07:31

srn63

It's funny isn't it, we are all told that we must vote, but what would happen if no one voted because we are so disillusioned with the candidates that we think none of them are fit for the job?

as Billy Connolly advised -
“ Don’t vote - it only encourages them!”

Cossy Thu 07-May-26 21:07:41

I voted Green, because it’s our next door neighbour, he’s an extremely honest, decent chap and he’ll work hard for our ward.

It’s not my “normal” party and not a reflection of whom I might vote for in a GE.

Had he not been standing I’d have probably voted Independent.

Patsy70 Thu 07-May-26 21:08:49

dayvidg

First time ever to not vote. Have become more and more disillusioned about the state of politics in this country - just don't care any more.

If everyone thought this way how on earth could things change for the better? I think many of us are disillusioned, but not caring will not resolve anything.

Aveline Thu 07-May-26 21:11:34

I voted tactically. I've voted for independent candidates before now but unfortunately they don't have much clout in the Scottish parliament.

MissAdventure Thu 07-May-26 21:11:46

I didn't.
Disillusioned too.

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Thu 07-May-26 21:18:09

Please in future, those of you who feel too disillusioned to vote, just spoil your ballot paper by writing “none of the above”. on your ballot paper. It sends a strong message that you could be bothered if the parties/candidates had inspired you. By turning up at the polling station it shows that it wasn’t CBA to turn out.

Plus, as my dear dad used to say (in a GE) those who can’t be bothered to vote are not allowed to moan for the next (used to be) four years!

FlexibleFriend Thu 07-May-26 21:18:59

I voted for the local people I think will do a good job.

MayBee70 Thu 07-May-26 21:24:30

No voting in my constituency. But if I had needed to vote I would have voted Labour. I still support this government but, if they decide to overthrow the PM I shall be leaving the party. Someone, somewhere wants a Reform government. It isn’t for the good of this country or the people in it but they are going to benefit from it in some ( financial) way.