Nottingham Politics For Beginners

Whether you’re a true blue Tory, as far left as you can lean without falling over, or you simply haven’t the foggiest, it’s really important that you exercise your right to have your voice heard.

Voting in local and general elections is just one of the ways you can get stuck in to politics. And it makes sense to register, as big decisions in the city may affect you. Plus, in Nottingham, the electoral register is used as proof of address for certain council services. You can register online, just head over to the gov.uk website. Dead straight forward.

Being in charge of the police force is a proper tough job, so we hear. Paddy Tipping is the man currently making sure everything runs smoothly. To make sure the right man or woman is saddled with this responsibility, the good folk of Nottingham – that’s us – are required to vote for who we reckon will do the job best and be impartial. But, you can only do this if you get your batty in gear and get registered. See where we’re going with this?

There are around 7.4 million 17-24 year olds in the UK. Only half of these are registered to vote, and of those registered, only 43% turned out to vote in the 2015 General Election. We know, it’s a minefield and political doublespeak doesn’t help matters. Bite the Ballot are trying to change that, with impartial, non-politically aligned advice that’ll get you clued up and involved with what’s going on. Check ‘em out online to get the inside scoop.

If you’ve got summat to say, this is the place to say it. Just next to the Brian Clough statue off Market Square, you’ll find a space dedicated to free speech. Political rallies are often held here, with speakers from all different walks of life. In Nottingham, we pride ourselves on hearing each other out, and getting to the bottom of things through positive discussion – so try and get down to some organised speakers to hear what they’ve got to say. An open mind is a healthy one...

So, this is your city, for the foreseeable at least. You can have your say on what’s going on in the bogger by feeding back your thoughts to the council. If you pop onto the City or County – depending on where you live – website, and click on the ‘Contact Us’ section, there’s a whole host of options for you to select, including a ‘comments, compliments and complaints’ button that’ll see your suggestions and opinions heard good and proper. You can also write to your local MP whenever you’ve got a bee in your bonnet, or a suggestion you reckon they need to hear.