Issue No: 258
12th February 2016
3rd Jamadi al Ula 1437 A.H.

Salamun alaykum

U.K. Electoral Register: Young People Missing:

Did you know that there are 7.4 million 16-24 year olds in the U.K?
Only half of those 16-24 year olds are registered to vote. Almost 2,413,000 are missing from the UK's electoral register. Further of those young people registered and eligible to vote, only 43% turned out to vote in the last general election of 7th May,2015. ­

Why should you register to vote?

Registration gives you power: One of the roles of politicians is to write policies. These policies affect the lives of all citizens including issues that affect the young people. Politicians need votes to get into office. Registering to vote gives young people power. It makes them visible to decision makers. This means that they and their needs cannot be ignored. Issues which younger citizens care about cannot be side lined or dismissed. If the young people are missing on the electoral register by not getting registered to vote it makes it easier for politicians to let this generation down.

Honour the sacrifice: Across the world people have died fighting for the right to vote. Some say it is disrespectful to them if you don't vote. In U.K. the Suffragettes spent years campaigning to give women the vote- many even gave their lives. Do you know that even today, many people across the world are still denied the right to vote? By registering to vote you will be respecting the sacrifice and you will be showing that you think that right is important.

Use your voice: If you don't register you can't vote. It's as simple as that. You need to register in order to be able to vote. We live in a democracy. It is your right to vote. Your vote is your voice. Use your voice. Don't lose your voice. Make it heard.

National Voter Registration Drive (NVRD):

To address the lack of education and awareness around voter registration in the U.K., a campaign group 'Bite the Ballot' undertakes National Voter Registration Drive in February. The first week of February marked the 3rd annual NVRD. This action is to celebrate the importance of registering to vote.

Who can register to vote?

The UK Electoral Commission states that one is eligible to vote if you are: 16 years old or over (but you cannot vote until you are 18 years old), A British citizen, An Irish, a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or European Union citizen who is resident in the UK. Online registration is simple and takes little time. To register to vote visit https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

One can also register by post.

Do I have anything to do with elections?

Yes. As Muslims, you and I have an essential duty to advance the image of Islam and contribute towards creating a better society. One of the ways we can be able to achieve this is by political involvement and participating in the democratic process.

Voting is the first part of the process. It is an important civic duty. As citizens, the ability to vote gives us a right to choose the people who will represent us, to determine who gets to affect our daily lives and to say what we want the government to do. Your vote will make a difference. Utilise it to be heard. If you think no one deserves your vote; you can go to the polling station and spoil your ballot paper.

Let us participate:

"Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (within their own souls)." Sura Ar-Ra'd 13:11

You need to be involved in improving your conditions. If you care about housing, education, health, policing, transport, waste collection, Council tax, leisure amenities, park services, crime hotspots, jobs, racism, islamophobia and other issues affected by National and Local Governance then in order to have your say you need to be registered to vote.

Do not be tempted by the thoughts and attitudes that 'I have nothing to do with it!"

Use this opportunity to register to vote and when elections are held, then bite the ballot box by casting your vote.

Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah

With salaams and duas

Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat