Voters enter a polling station at Kelvingrove Park during the 2024 General Election.
Photo: Jason Fong / Strathclyde Telegraph
With the Scottish general election less than a month away, many people across the country are preparing to head to the polls on Thursday, 7 May. But for those who don’t follow politics closely, the question remains: is it still worth voting?
Turnout has become a growing concern in recent years. In the last election, just 59 per cent of voters took part, and experts suggest that figure could fall even further this time, potentially into the low-to-mid 50 per cent range. This means a significant number of people are choosing not to have a say in how the country is run.
If you’re someone who feels disconnected from politics, you’re not alone. The world has become a scary place. It makes sense why anyone ( even me! ) would turn the TV screen off and forget it all.
Elections can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even irrelevant to everyday life. But choosing not to vote doesn’t remove you from the political system; it simply means decisions are made without your input. A wasted vote is actually a vote for the party you wouldn’t want in power.
Voting is the most direct way to influence what happens in your community, whether that’s decisions about public services, the economy, or national priorities. You don’t need to study politics to have a say, and even if you don’t follow every debate or policy, your vote still contributes to shaping the overall outcome.
Scotland is currently facing a tense political climate, marked by growing divisions and increasingly heated public debate. The presence of far-right rallies and controversial government decisions around involvement in international conflicts has added to this sense of uncertainty. In moments like this, participation becomes especially important in ensuring that public opinion is properly represented, rather than leaving decisions in the hands of a smaller share of the population.
The 2021 election took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted normal campaigning and likely contributed to lower turnout. This year, with fewer restrictions, there is a renewed opportunity for voters to engage — whether that means following campaigns closely or simply turning up on the day.
If you’re unsure where to start, it can help to look at simple summaries of party positions or focus on the issues that matter most to you . All the party manifestos are easy to find online. You don’t need to be an expert to take part.
Before heading to the polls, make sure you know where your local polling station is. Voting only takes a few minutes, but it’s one of the most important ways to make your voice heard. I’ll see you there!
Hi! I’m Aaron and I’m in my 4th year studying Journalism and English. I’m really looking forward to contributing to the Creative and Culture sections of the Telegraph this year!
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