We Want Your Vote!

This week the British PM, Gordon Brown announced that Britain would go to the polls on May 6 to vote in the next British government. Amongst the scrum of political parties campaigning there is one group that is jostling for UK votes for a rather different reason.

‘Give Your Vote’ is a movement in the UK that is encouraging UK citizens to ‘donate’ their vote to a citizen of Bangladesh, Afghanistan or Ghana. The rationale behind this initiative allows citizens of the nominated countries an opportunity to voice their opinions on UK political decisions, from climate change policy to military occupation, that have had a direct impact on their nation.

There are several aspects of this movement that are fascinating. I have always viewed voting as a personal experience. You have the right to decide who you will vote for. ‘Give Your Vote’ challenges these notions as it transforms voting into a communal experience, whereby people are sharing their vote for the greater good.

‘Give Your Vote’ also pushes beyond the nation – state borders by extending participation to non-UK citizens. GYV provides an opportunity for participants to pose questions to political candidates through the UK participants.

Ultimately this movement is a rethinking of the political process and who is involved. It demonstrates the fact that we live in a highly interconnected world where people are becoming more aware of the circumstances of other world citizens, and taking action.

With an Australian federal election on the cards in the not too distant future perhaps Australian citizens could donate their vote to another person in one of our neighbouring countries, such as Kiribati or East Timor…

This could be a more attractive and productive alternative to a donkey vote!

For more details visit http://giveyourvote.org/