Use your vote in the European Parliament Elections
Published: 04 June 2009
With around 35,000 student members across the UK, the RCN has significant voting power and ensuring your vote goes to a candidate who shares our priorities could make the difference between nursing being top of the bill or last on the agenda.
We know deciding who to vote for can be difficult so our International Department have put together some information to help you make your decision: www.rcn.org.uk/nursing/international/european_elections_2009
Here you can find links to find out who your MEP candidates are and how to contact them; read the RCN's priorities for the newly elected European Parliament as well as find out more about why to use your vote.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have significant decision making powers which can benefit patients and RCN members. They have influence over nurses' working hours and entitlement to compensatory rest; patients receiving treatment abroad; preventing needlestick injuries and workplace violence; control of counterfeit medicines and many other issues that fall within the scope of European law.
Use your vote and make the most of your opportunity to influence the European health agenda.
Don't forget that 34 local elections are also being held today.