Even if you have no electoral power, vote on Thursday

Looking at the comments that people have made on this site, the Tweets that have been posted and the number of fans we have on Facebook, it’s obvious that people are extremely angry about their lack of voting power. I’m pleased to say that most say they will vote anyway – either tactically to keep a particular party out, or with their hearts, even if they know their vote doesn’t have a high chance of helping to decide the winner.

However, a significant minority indicate that they have decided not to vote after learning the truth about their voter power. Indeed this site has been criticised for encouraging voter apathy and encouraging a low turnout.

To those who criticise all I can say is don’t shoot the messenger. If people are put off voting elections I’m not surprised. This system is broken and serves only a minority. It’s no wonder that people are not politically engaged. This website exists to try to make as many people aware of the injustice built into the system.

To those who see this site and think there is no point in casting a vote, I urge you to reconsider. This election is too important for you to waste your vote. There is a chance, a slim chance, that we will have an opportunity to reform the system in the new parliament. The only way that will happen is if people vote for reform.

In these last two days, please have a look at the manifestos, question your local candidates and vote positively for one that is promising to support fair votes for Westminster. Even if your candidate has no chance of winning because you live in a safe seat with no voter power, vote for them anyway. The higher the national share in favour of reform candidates, the stronger our voice will be after the election.

The outcome of this election is still very uncertain, but if we all vote positively for candidates that support fair votes, maybe this will be the last election where the power of our vote will be decided by the postcode we live in.

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  • Luckily it's a bit more complicated than that this year - with electoral reform on the cards, voting against your 'safe' party provides more ammunition for proportional representation. Also, with the likelihood of a second election soon relatively high, reducing your necessary swing will make your constituency a higher target for campaigning by the smaller parties (and increase that so-called 'voter power index').

    Your vote DOES count for a little more than just picking the Prime Minister and your MP. Proportional representation might not determine the PM but it is picked up on by the media and politicians, and may have more power in holding governments to account than we give it credit for. So it's important to vote - even if it's a spoiled ballot - to give an accurate picture of this country's interests. I think this site should be saying that more explicitly.
  • Apologies for the broadband, but the media in Swindon seems to avoid mentioning that I am standing.
    I’m standing in Swindon as an Independent and Protest Vote. I believe people are fed up of the behavior of the House of commons and want to register their disgust.
    All the parties mention Electoral and Tax reform, but its just empty pledges and spin as always.
    If I get elected my first speech would be to tell the members of the not so honorable House of commons what 1/2 of the UK wants to..
    That they talks a load of bollocks and can’t be trusted..
    Anyone wants to see my reasons or help me get my message across can view my website.

    Help me make this a proper election and show them its not just 2 or 3 parties and that honesty should be part of being an honorable member of parliament.
    Show MPs you are fed up of white lies, excuses broken pledges and insincere apologies.

    Please befriend my facebook or link to my site or blog. Talk to people and display my poster in your window. Call The Wright Stuff or Loose Women and mention my Protest.

    Karsten Evans
    South Swindon Protest Vote candidate
    E: karsten@swindon.org.uk
    W: http://www.swindon.org.uk
    B: http://swindonorguk.blogware.c...
    http://www.swindon.org.uk/elec...
  • tomedwards
    Seriously, this post should not be entitled 'Even if you have no electoral power...' It should be entitled 'Because you have no electoral power...' Those in a safe seat simply need power in numbers, it's that simple, get the hell out and vote, if enough of you do, you're candidate will win. Simple.
  • harryfear
    Great article. Hopefully the minority will indeed end up voting.
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