Why should I vote?

It is really important for everyone to vote in local elections. Although often more attention is paid to general elections, it is the City Council who make decisions on a lot of issues that have a big impact on students’ lives. By voting in the local election you elect councillors who will be responsible for representing you on issues including housing, transport, planning, leisure facilities, social services and more.

The people who are elected in local elections are your representatives on these issues. The council has the authority to do a lot of things that affect our lives including limiting where student houses can be, improving recycling facilities, and prioritising spending between local services so it is important that you vote for someone who represents your views.

Even if you are only going to be living in Sheffield for a few months longer, it is still important that you vote in these elections. Because students often only stay in Sheffield for a few years, sometimes we do not get the full representation that we should. If all students in their final year choose not to vote as they are not staying in Sheffield much longer, the voter turnout for the whole student population is reduced dramatically. Although as an individual student you may not be in Sheffield for much longer there will always be students in Sheffield. If student turnout on the whole is low, it is hard to hold local councillors to account over issues which affect students more than they affect other residents. If councillors know they will not suffer electorally for not taking into consideration student issues, they are much more likely to de-prioritise these issues or to listen to other conflicting views and disregard the impact on students.

None of this is to suggest that students would all vote the same way, but if student turnout is significant then it is much easier for councillors to be held to account over issues that affect students.

To be able to vote in the local elections you must ensure that you are registered by the 14th April.

Not sure who to vote for?

The Students’ Union will be hosting a question time event for candidates who are standing in the local elections. Candidates from all parties have been invited and this is your opportunity to hear more about their local policies for Sheffield. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions and get to the heart of the issues that matter to you. So come along to the Students’ Union Auditorium at 6.30pm on Tuesday 5th April to find out more from the people who want to be your representatives.