THE Mark Hall by-election brought a result predicted by some wise ones. The turnout was 27.9%. Yes, 27.9%. Let’s call it 28% That means 72% of Mark Hall voters didn’t participate. Many have tried to analyse the reasons for that: a lack of faith in the system generally, no confidence in political parties, a sense of powerlessness, a feeling that the result will change nothing. All of those explanations point to disillusion and, maybe, cynicism. If most of those non-voters had voted, the result could have been different.

I wonder if we prepare our young people sufficiently for their role as voters. Well, Citizenship is taught in our schools. Its effects are claimed to be more tolerant citizens, more supportive of democracy and confident in their ability to participate in civic life. Students who benefit from Citizenship teaching develop knowledge, skills, confidence and the inclination to participate fully in our democratic systems, it seems. Maybe they’ll be inclined to vote.

Did you know that Australia has one of the highest voter turnouts in the world? There, compulsory voting (supported by the majority of the population) surged to 91% in 1925 and has stayed high since then. Australia believes its election results accurately reflect the will of the electorate; maybe it’s time for the UK to change our expectations of the voter.

Recent events commemorating VE Day reminded me of the selflessness of so many who made so many sacrifices in so many ways for the sake of their country and of their country’s people. We owe them; we’ll always be in their debt. Their patriotism protected all of us.

Voting may be a patriotic act, too. To explore the idea, I nerdily checked the definition ….. Patriotism represents concern for the country’s wellbeing and a love of the country as a whole, including all who live in it. It means a willingness to sacrifice for the good of that country, exemplified in being a good citizen, a public servant, a volunteer and in acts of kindness, respect for fellow citizens.

Is it the same as nationalism? No! The strength of my response reflects my background and experience; for me, the difference is stark. In fact, nationalism/republicanism makes my skin crawl. Put simply, it means being interested in one group of people over all others, seeing one country as superior to others.
Let’s foster the best kind of patriotism. Let’s review our electoral system to inculcate better participation and representation. Let’s hear from more citizens. More power to the people, without the flag-waving. Please.