“They’re all the same, why should I bother voting?”

That’s a sentiment you’ll often hear, particularly when faced with four-yearly council elections.

Apathy usually gets the blame for low turn-out, but perhaps lack of faith in all politicians deters a trip to the polling station.

It’s easy to see why people think this way when sleaze, law breaking and corruption hit the headlines.

But read what Newham’s Mayoral candidates have to say (See pages 2 and 6 of our April issue) and you will see how important it is to vote on 5 May.

Seven passionate and committed politicians want to represent you as Mayor. They have different world views and, more importantly, different views on how your life should be.

For example, if you care about parking, will you support incumbent Rokhsana Fiaz whose council has introduced a new charging system, recognising that half of Newham residents don’t have cars? Or will you back plans to abolish charges for the first car and even offer visitors two hours free parking? Perhaps you support the Green party’s Rob Callender who wants a 20mph speed limit throughout Newham.

These are important issues. As we head towards 5 May, it makes sense to vote for the Mayor and local councillors who will deliver what you need for a better life in Newham.

As Rosario Lobo, a Canning Town resident since 1972, told us: “My father used to tell me that if you don’t vote you have no right to expect anything.”

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