Issue 4: Election Edition

The European Elections

This Thursday 22nd May

The European Elections are a mere 3 days away and, if you haven't decided who to back, or, better yet, whether you're even going to vote, then don't worry! Help is at hand, courtesy of HO. 

The last elections in 2009 saw a meagre 34.5% of Britons use their vote. It's time the British public were urged to get educated about international politics - especially when so many of us seem to make sweeping statements without backing them up with sufficient knowledge and a vote. Below are 4 tips to bear in mind ahead of the elections this Thursday (yep, this Thursday - only 16% of you knew that!)

Tips for voting:

1. Do your research: There are plenty of candidates running to represent us on the European stage, along with some promising to get us clear out of the EU altogether. There is a wealth of information out there for you to do your homework and decide who best represents your interests. You're not just restricted to the three main parties here (but I wouldn't trust Ukip either - there goes my impartiality...). Seize the opportunity! Use your voting power!
2. Make full use of the MyVote2014 website: can't be bothered to sift through tonnes of information that might mean nothing to you? Don't worry! There is an entire interactive website dedicated to helping you cast your vote effectively, just take a gander over here: http://www.myvote2014.eu/en/home/index
3. The European Parliament doesn't shape EU laws, the representatives (MEPs) in European Parliament do which is exactly why your vote is so important. Laws are proposed by the European Commission and then approved, amended, or rejected by MEPs. Want to protect British national sovereignty? Control immigration? You better vote for the right MEP (just not Ukip...). 
4. And finally...Don't vote? Don't Complain. If you're not going to take the time and effort to use your democratic rights properly (that is, after all, how Democracy functions) then, I'm sorry, but you have no right to complain. You had your chance to have your say and make a change. If you don't take it, you have no one to blame but yourself.

Still confused? Head over to http://www.thejournal.ie/how-the-european-parliament-works-1466371-May2014/ for more on how European Parliament works. There's still time!