Editorial
At the commencement of last month, the nominations for the County Council elections were officially closed. The entire county of Leicestershire, comprising 55 seats, was subject to the electoral process. The Kibworth & District Chronicle solicited written hustings from all local candidates, with the intention of publishing them in the April edition. Regrettably, only two candidates endeavoured to provide a hustings of approximately 250 words, which was subsequently printed. This begs the question: are these candidates heavily reliant on social media platforms or leaflet drops for disseminating their messages?
Those aforementioned County Council elections have yielded their results, revealing a concerning trend of apathy among eligible voters. Local wards such as Gartree, Harborough West & Foxton, and Bruntingthorpe mirror the national pattern of low voter turnout, with only 35% exercising their democratic right. This disparity between the number of votes cast and the eligible population raises concerns about the representation of the electorate.
While the current proportions may accurately reflect the actual voter turnout, it is essential to consider the possibility of higher participation rates if voting were made compulsory. It is crucial to ensure that all citizens have an opportunity to participate in the democratic process, rather than relying solely on those who are actively engaged and vocal.
The consequences of the current voter turnout may have implications for the local and national governments, leading to dissatisfaction and criticism. Therefore, it is imperative to take proactive steps to address this issue. Engaging in community activities, supporting positive initiatives, and exercising one’s right to vote are all vital steps towards fostering a more active and informed citizenry.
SjP
Kibworth Art Lovers Update & Annual Exhibition
