Girlguiding LaSER Champion Caitlin McDonagh, from Girlguiding Middlesex South West County, explains why it's important this election to use your voice and vote on June 8.
Why should I vote? It's a big question! Whether this is the first, second or tenth time you are able to vote, you have a vote and should use it wisely. Our current Prime Minister, Theresa May, has dissolved Parliament meaning that every seat has become vacant. This means that every area of the UK needs to elect a member of parliament to represent them.
You may think my vote doesn't matter, it won't make much difference but it will! Every Girlguiding member that has the opportunity to vote should use it, not only to get your voice heard but because we didn’t always have it. If it hadn’t been for Emmeline Pankhurst and the Suffragettes who were willing to throw themselves in front of live horses and put their lives on the line to fight for our right to vote, our government would be entirely decided by men. Living in an equal society it is important that everyone, regardless of their gender, gets to express their views and vote on who represents them.
So on 8 June, get your voice heard and use the vote you have been given, I know I will! #forthegirl
Caitlin McDonagh,
Girlguiding LaSER Champion
Registering to vote and applying for a postal vote are now closed, however if you are going to be away from home or a student you can still apply to vote by proxy, read more here. You can also still download the adaptable Mini Use Your Voice 2016 resource to help inform and equip your unit about the different ways they can get their voices' heard.