MAY I thank all those who came out to vote in the local council elections last week.
Millions of people over the centuries have given their lives for the right to vote in free and fair elections but we tend to take democracy for granted.
More than half the world’s population still lives in societies which are not democratic and where the free-will of the people cannot be expressed.
Voting is vital, for we hold office holders to account, support candidates who we think will work for us and set the character and direction of our local and national institutions.
I am proud that we, as one of the oldest democracies, resolve our differences not by revolution or violence but via the ballot box.
That can only be good for our civil liberties, the well-being of our citizens and the cohesion of our communities.
DAVID WILLIAMS (County Councillor)
Oxfordshire Green Party
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