The privilege of challenging oppression

What does having the vote mean to me?

In my ministry in Wakefield and in Yorkshire I have met many people from other countries who are seeking asylum. Commonly they are seeking refuge from oppressive governments which they have no power to oppose and no mechanism for changing. For me, being able to vote and take part in a process by which governments are made accountable to the citizens of their country is a privilege and I am really grateful to those who had the vision to seek the vote for all women and men. In my role as a Baptist Regional Minister and as convenor of the Baptist Union Gender Justice Hub I see other issues of equality still to be tackled but having the right to vote as an equal member of society is foundational.