You might think it doesn't matter, but we urge you to use your vote

People have died fighting for the right to vote. From the victims of the Peterloo massacre to the Suffragettes, Greater Manchester has a proud history of making sure our voice is heard.

While billions of people around the world will be electing their leaders this year, in many places, people still don't have that privilege. And, as the world moves more towards authoritarianism, the right to vote has never been more precious.

But, as some voters go to the polls at this pivotal general election, many people will stay at home. More than ever, it feels as though people don't believe that their vote matters at all.

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Nearly two-thirds of Manchester Evening News readers who took part in our election survey don't believe their vote will make a difference. This is a sad indictment of our political system.

The M.E.N has spoken to voters from all 27 constituencies across Greater Manchester in the weeks leading up to the general election. In every corner of our great region, we have found that people are frustrated by a whole range of issues that affect their lives.

Whether it's about the state of our roads, long waits for health care or the struggle to make ends meet. Many people are crying out for change - but some have lost hope of anything changing.

If you want change, you have to vote for it. There is a wide-held view that politicians are 'all the same' - a phrase we hear from our affluent leafy suburbs to our left-behind towns.

But we've seen the difference that governments can make to Manchester - for good or for bad. Greater Manchester has changed massively in recent years and while much of this is down to our own local leaders, the impact of government decisions is undeniable.

The last general election, in which some voters ditched lifelong allegiances, taught us that there is no such thing as a 'safe seat'. Politicians do pay attention to how people vote in every area - more than you might think - not least because their jobs depend on it.

If you don't vote, you are missing an opportunity to shape the direction of our country, our region and your community.

So, however you're feeling ahead of this general election, whatever issues matter to you most - and whoever you think can or can't fix them - we urge you to get out and vote.