'We should vote but we're all a bit confused'

Ballet box
Voters will go to the polls on 4 July for the UK general election [PA Media]

There are an estimated five million undecided voters ahead of the general election.

With less than a week for people to make up their minds, why are so many still unsure who to vote for?

'It's important we make a decision'

Kim Pettit wearing a green top and smiling
Northampton South constituent Kim Pettit says she, her friends, and her husband are undecided [BBC]

Kim Petitt lives in Duston on the outskirts of Northampton and has not made up her mind who to vote for on 4 July.

She says: "All our friends feel the same really, we're all a little bit confused trying to think of what is best because you feel it's quite an important decision and that we should use our right to vote.

"We've all got families and we want to make life a bit easier for ourselves, because things just aren't working the way they should, so I feel like it's important we make a decision."

The 36-year-old says the Conservatives "don't reflect me" but still does not know which of the other parties in the Northampton South constituency to choose.

"My husband also doesn't really know who to vote for so we tend to decide on two and then split one vote each," she says.

'I'm not sure who I'm going to vote for'

Kay Drinkwater with glasses, grey hair and red shirt
Kay Drinkwater, 103, says she will be voting but does not know who for yet [BBC]

Kay Drinkwater, who is 103 years old and lives in Duston, says it is "necessary" to vote.

"Women, years ago, went to all that trouble to get a vote and I think it's only right that we should use it," she says.

But she does not know who she will vote for "because I don't believe any of them, whatever they say".

Ms Drinkwater says she recently spoke to a person from the Labour Party who knocked on her door, but was unable to answer her question about how some of their policies would be funded.

"I always vote and I will still vote but I'm not quite sure who I'm going to vote for this time."

'Help us more'

Annie Cleaver in a black top and black apron
Mother-of-three Annie Cleaver says she had not heard enough discussion about the cost of living [BBC]

Annie Cleaver, from Daventry, runs New Street cafe in the town which caters for older people and those with special needs.

She says the biggest issue for her is the cost of living as a single mother-of-three.

Ms Cleaver says there is "help out there" from things like food banks but she is yet to hear the parties address the issue.

"It would be nice if [the political parties] could help us with more with funding and just help with anything."

'Actions rather than words'

Mary Roka Magar with black hair and a white t-shirt
Translator Mary Roka Magar says the politicians should make realistic promises [BBC]

Mary Roka Magar lives in Wellingborough and, alongside her job as a Nepali translator, runs a food bank.

"The big issues at the moment are people struggling with heating or eating with the rising living costs and the teenagers saying they don't feel safe," she says.

She also says he family have been struggling to get a dental appointment.

The 40-year-old says she is engaged in general election campaign but has not yet decided who she will vote for.

"I come from an army background, so we believe in actions rather than words," she says.

She says the parties should "look [out] for people, be honest and when they make their promises, make it possible".

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