Yesterday was a very important day, not just because I was able to
go to the midnight showing of Twilight but it was also the day when we were supposed
to vote for our Police and Crime Commissioner. That’s right, advertised as the voice
of the people it was in theory our chance to have a say in who runs the police
force in the neighbourhood.
If you go on the website the position is described as this,
‘Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) will aim to cut crime and
deliver an effective and efficient police service.
Police and Crime Commissioners will ensure community needs are met
as effectively as possible and will improve local relationships through
building confidence and trust.’
I can only assume that the role is very important and is
heavily involved with the people in the community. Which is funny considering I
didn’t know the names of the people running until my mum told me five minutes
before I was about to vote. If you go on the official website you can get a
biography of the candidates in your area but am I wrong in thinking that they’re
after my vote? I live in a small town so I’m not expecting knocks on the door
or anything but hey if you’re going to have leaflets print enough for every
house that votes.
My parents and I trot along to the polling station, we initially
thought it was closed as there was nobody visible but the lights were on o we
went in and there were three lovely people waiting inside. We were the only
people there and didn’t see a hint of anybody else when we were leaving.
The people at the polling station said it had been slow
about 10% turnout, you’ve got more people voting for I’m a Celeb (though I don’t
blame anyone because Helen Flanagan is bloody hilarious). You’ve got 10%
turnout where 3 of them were my parents and I who didn’t really know a lot
anyway and we were the people who cared enough to vote.
The winning candidate needs to have a 50% majority in order
to be successful. 50% of 10% is 5% of people eligible to vote, not really the voice
of the people is it.