Six *very important* reasons you should vote in the General Election

With the state of the weather at the moment, it is not surprising that some people would rather stay at home in the warmth than trek outside in the cold to a polling station.

But with just today left to register to vote, and only 17 days until election day, here is a short list of reasons why you absolutely have to vote that you probably didn't think of before.

Voting is a totally valid excuse for missing a lecture

I know most of us don't need any excuse to miss those 8:30s, or in fact any lecture. But why not use election day to your advantage and feel completely justified in your excuse for why you didn't show up – you just HAD to be a good citizen at the exact same time as your seminar.

Voting makes you more attractive

I'm pretty certain it's scientifically proven that voting makes you more attractive.

It's just something about someone caring about the future and the state of the climate/ the economy/ the NHS that really boosts their appeal.

You will probably bump into a 10/10 in the polling station

With all these attractive voters swarming about, the polling station is the place to be if you want to scout a fitty.

Forget the Co-op on Pennsylvania Road, the polling station is where all the hot ones will gather on election day.

Voting officially makes you a proper adult

Real grown-ups vote. All of us know that, they're not too lazy, or too hungover, they take their rights seriously.

Yes, Mummy and Daddy may still be sending you a weekly Ocado delivery and you haven't done your laundry in 3 weeks, but there is no denying that if you vote, you're a proper adult.

You get a free pass to moan about basically everything

There is nothing more annoying than someone who complains constantly about Brexit, or the cost of uni, or literally anything, but didn't vote. Don't be one of those people.

Use your vote and then, if you want, you can continue moaning as you long as you like. Just remember to vote in the next General Election to keep your moaning privileges.

It's an excuse to treat yourself

Seen something in Urban Outfitters you like? Buy it. Contemplating whether to have a big night out? Do it.

You voted – you deserve it.

You have gone out of your way to voice your opinion and highlight the issues that are important to you. You're a good citizen who takes their democratic duty seriously, you deserve a treat.

In all seriousness now, this General Election may be the most important election of our lives. Whether you bleed blue, red, orange, green, or any other colour, there is no excuse to miss out on the best opportunity there is to dictate your future. It's up to you to decide what the next 5 years look like, don't waste it.

Related stories recommended by this writer:

• The starter pack guide to every single student during the 2019 General Election

• This is who students are voting for in the General Election