5 reasons to get off your blessed assurance and vote in local government elections

So, Local Government Elections will be happening in a few days and the two major political parties have been up and running across the country delivering their plans and policies (and many political jabs) in order to get the vote of the people and to secure parish councils for the 3 or so years (that is, if the term isn’t drastically extended).

However, while the political parties toil in the nooks and crannies (and gullies) of Jamaica in order to get your vote, it is likely that you won’t be inspired or motivated enough to go out on election day and vote for either of them. Data from the EOJ shows that the last two Local Government Elections in Jamaica were decided by less than 40% of the Electorate.

We've found as well that persons don’t have as much of an interest in matters of local government than in central government. So, in order to provide enlightenment, here are some reasons why your vote matters in local government elections.

1. That thing Called Civic Duty: While voting is not a requirement of active citizenship, we're sure you don’t need us to remind you that voting is a sacred civic duty which our forefathers shed sweat, blood and tears for to get. The electoral process depends on the voter itself, and when the voter doesn’t turn up, what is democracy?

2. The things closest to you are handled by local government, i.e., your neighbourhood roads, the markets and abattoirs, the drains, the building you may work in, the permit for the party or dance down the road, the public cemeteries and your street lights, are a few of the matters that are handled by your parish cou…sorry, your MUNICIPAL CORPORATION (Name Change).

3. Vote for Your tax dollars, even if for your tax dollars. Separate from subventions from central government (ie, your taxes), local government is also funded by your taxes as well. Your property taxes are for the purpose of funding the maintenance of the things mentioned in Point 1 above. If you actually want a Parish Council that will spend your tax dollars wisely and do what they are actually supposed to do with it, dipping in ink would be necessary.

4. Corruption Reeks: Just like central government, local government reeks of corruption. Without a doubt, local government authorities have also been tainted this year by corruption and allegations of corruption, particularly in Hanover, Manchester and Clarendon. Part of the reason that corruption reeks is because the electorate has not been active enough in sending a strong message of the rejection of corruption. Part of that 30 something percent of voters that turn up at Local Government Elections are for the most part, party loyalists who may sometimes receive paltry, trickle down benefits from their party seniors. It is untenable.

5. The final reason is this: It is time to raise the bar in local government. For too long, local government has been seen as a place where the bottom of the intellectual pot work and serve. This is not so. WE THE PEOPLE MUST continue to hold our local authorities responsible and demand that their service delivery is always at an acceptable, even an extraordinary standard. It is within our reach, and we can reach it.