Thought For The Day -Thursday 2^nd May 2024 

A local election of some kind is being held everywhere in England and Wales today.

Once again, TBSHS is being safely used as a polling station.

The polls opened at 7 a.m. and will close at 10 p.m.  Thank you to all community volunteers ensuring appropriate and legal practice.

A polling station is a place where people vote in person (although people can have voted by post a couple of weeks ago).

People are not allowed to take photographs inside a polling station because it risks the secrecy of the ballot.  There are strict punishments if people break this law.

To vote, someone has to be: a British, Irish, EU or Commonwealth citizen;  aged 18 and above; registered at an address where  they wish to vote; not be legally excluded from voting and bring photograph identification.

Elections today are taking place in 107 local authorities across England. Voters will also choose the Mayor of London, London Assembly members and 10 mayors outside London.

Democracy, and politics, matters. We have a wonderful Politics Department at the school, led by Mr. Conquest.  Our Citizenship lessons appropriately explore political matters.  Democracy gives people a say in society, values all human beings, is a key part of equality, builds a better world and ensures accountability.  Many people around the world have campaigned, and sacrificed their lives, for democracy,  and still do today.

Local elections matter because they are about important services in our local area.

The vote is precious. As are human beings and nature.   We respect one another.

In addition today, voters across England and Wales will elect 37 police and crime commissioners (PCCs). These play an important role in police accountability.

We have seen the bravery, courage, goodness and sacrifice of police officers, and the emergency services, first responders and citizens,  with the events beyond words in Hainault, in London, this week.  Our very deepest thoughts and prayers remain with all affected, with those who have suffered, those who are suffering, and the inspirational wonderful student, Daniel, who has died, and Daniel’s family, friends and school.  May Daniel’s light forever inspire and guide.