I voted...

I voted in the AV Referendum and in the local council elections today. I don't hold out much hope for either of my preferences. Voting 'Yes', I will probably get 'No'. And voting 'Green', I will probably end up with 'Tory'. Three cheers for democracy. Once again, most people will probably not bother to vote and of those that do, they will probably vote against their own interests. And because they aspire to something which they think the blues and the reds represent.

"We've always voted Labour in our family"

Make no mistake, these politicians represent their own personal interests. If they were actually standing for something they believed in, they wouldn't have to spend so much time lying their malevolent butts off. Their arguments would stand on merit - they always do if they are driven by sound principles and a thirst for social justice. I voted for the 'least bad' apples - the Greens - though I don't agree with everything they stand for. The point is, though, that I did vote. Nothing makes me seethe more than apathy - those that moan about society and then proudly announce that they didn't actually bother to vote. Politicians rely on such people. They love it when people don't care enough to do something - anything - but stand back and leave them to divide the cake up for themselves.

MPs blah blah, moan, blah blah, didn't vote

I did have some fun though. On 'checking-in' at the polling station, I was given two ballot papers. The officials went to great lengths to explain the difference between the Referendum and the local elections and directed me where to post the ballot papers once I had nominated my choices. I approached the local election voting box and sought the officials' reassurance.

'So this box is for the local elections, yes?'

They agreed. As I slowly slid the ballot paper into the slot at the top, I continued...

'And these are ranked 1, 2, 3, 4 - yes?'

'No'! they cried in unison.

I told them that I was only kidding. I am sure some people will have done so - some because they are a bit dim and have got the wrong end of the stick and some - just to make a point. I was in two minds about the Referendum. My gut feeling is that AV is a definite improvement on the current sham. So I voted 'Yes'. But, I also know that a victory for the 'No' vote will rile the Lib Dems to the point of apoplexy. Not because they are bad losers as such, but because they have been so wound up by the disgraceful tactics employed by the Conservatives to secure a victory. It is going to stick in their throats - and here is my confident prediction - it will bring the coalition down within a matter of months.

Clegg - has been sold a turkey

And that will make me a happy voter. For once, I am in a no-lose situation. Either way, I will be happy with the outcome. The social-justice part of my brain will rejoice in a victory for the 'Yes' campaign. But the political animal in me will enjoy the fallout from a victory for the 'No' campaign. The blue touch paper has been lit. Let's sit back and watch the fireworks commence.