Thought For The Day – Thursday 7^th May 2026

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/c1eqp2j9ly0o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGrbu07rDmM

Elections are a key part of Democracy and Politics.

The word “Politics” is derived from the Greek word “politika”, meaning “affairs of the cities”.  Harold Lasswell described Politics as: “Who gets what, when, and how”.  In this process, Politics is about giving to, and serving, others.

The word “Democracy” is derived from the Greek words “demos” (meaning people) and “kratos” (meaning power). Democracy involves:  equality;  freedom; the rule of law;  and elections.  Globally, and nationally,  over the course of history, people have sacrificed their lives for Democracy.

At The Bishop’s Stortford High School, our very highly respected Politics department, led by Mr. Conquest,  teaches Advanced Level Politics.   If students have any questions about Politics, a wonderful and important subject,  they should please speak to Mr. Conquest.

Through our Citizenship lessons at T.B.S.H.S., we also offer an equally appropriate, balanced, fair, neutral, and timely local, national, and global political education.  For example, students this week in Citizenship are learning about the elections occurring across the United Kingdom today.

For today marks the largest set of elections in the United Kingdom since the 2024 General Election.

In the United Kingdom, a representative democracy, people, politicians,  are elected to represent the people and debate, discuss, and make decisions on policies and laws. Some politicians represent a particular political party or group. Other politicians “stand” for election as in independent candidate, representing no specific political party.

In England today, there will some elections for:  regional Mayors; and Councillors in 5,000 council seats across 136 local councils.   Councils, and local government,  led by Councillors, have a very significant impact and influence on people’s lives with the important provision of local services:  education;  social care;   the maintenance of roads; and refuse collection.

In the United Kingdom, there is a political system of devolution, meaning, as well as the Parliament in London, there are Parliaments in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, which have some appropriate powers devolved to them from the United Kingdom and the English Parliament.  So, today, in Scotland and Wales, elections will take place for the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments.

Currently, in England, citizens can vote from the age of 18, and above. Whilst, in Scotland and Wales, citizens can vote from the age of 16, and above.  Photographic identity will be required to vote at elections in England today.

In areas where there are elections today, where many people,  who have been previously registered to vote, will cast their vote on ballot papers submitted in ballot boxes, unless they have voted earlier by post, at “polling stations”.

The “polls”, or these stations,  will open today from 7 a.m., and will close at 10 p.m., across the United Kingdom.  Millions will “head” to the polls to have their say.

Some unsung heroes of democracy, who are volunteers, supervise polling stations, check voters are registered,  and count, check, and re-count votes through the night.

As the results unfold this evening, and in the early hours of tomorrow morning,  these elections  will, once again,  be analysed, both in local areas and nationally, as those elected begin their leadership, representation, and service of the people they have been elected to care for,  lead, help, represent, and support.