UPDATE: Following the general election
The UK General Election 2017 took place on Thursday June 8th 2017. The result was a hung parliament with the Conservatives as the largest party.
It was clear throughout the campaign that the young vote was engaged in the process unlike at any time since the 1990s and opinion poll estimates have since backed this up.
We here at My Vote Matters are very proud to have played a small part in supporting the effort by providing a platform for young people to have their voices heard.
In the three short weeks that My Vote Matters was live our twitter activity racked up over 50,000 impressions with an engagement rate of 2.3%.
The hung parliament brings with it a sense of instability and as such many commentators are suggesting the likelihood of another general election perhaps even within the next 12 months. In light of that, whilst the campaign will not be active in the immediate future we look forward to playing a full part in promoting the importance of voting in elections and referendums in the future.
To all those that supported the campaign. Thank you.
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN
Our mission is to encourage everyone to vote in the 2017 UK General Election.
In the 2015 general election only 43% of 18-24 year olds voted, compared to 76% of over 45s. This makes politicians less likely to prioritise policies which support young people.
We believe that no group should be excluded. The United Kingdom is only united when everyone is represented. We fight voter apathy, so that the people who run our country represent the views of all citizens, not just the voting class.
Whatever your politics, this is an issue that affects everyone. The less voices that are heard, the more entrenched divisions become.
So if you believe in our vision for a truly democratic Great Britain, please share our message. Upload your video to our website, tell us what issues you’re passionate about and tell the UK, My Vote Matters.
CONTRIBUTE
Keep it short
Tell us your message in one sentence starting with the words “My Vote Matters…”
Focus on the issue you care about
“…because I am passionate about our NHS”.
Take your best shot
If you are using your phone make sure you are holding it horizontally. If you are able to use a higher quality camera and an external microphone that’s even better
Let's go national
If you don’t mind, give us your first name and the city you are from and we’ll include them in the video
THE ELECTION
The next General Election will take place on Thursday 8th June 2017. This will determine who will govern the United Kingdom for the next 5 years.
– Find your nearest polling station here.
For more information about the political system in the UK please see the following websites:
FAQs
What is the aim of this campaign?
We are campaigning for as many people as possible to take part in the UK General Election on June 8th. Our aim is to share statements from people like you about why your vote is important, so everyone is inspired to get involved. Submit your video here!
Why is it important that everyone votes?
Your vote determines who runs the country for the next five years. Their decisions will impact your life, so we believe it’s essential that your voice is heard. For more information on the voting system in the UK please click here.
Why is the campaign mainly encouraging young people to vote and not everyone as a whole?
The young are historically the most underrepresented group of people in general elections with only 43% voting in the 2015 general election compared to 76% for over 45s.
Which political party do you support?
This campaign does not have any political bias and exists only to encourage you to vote, not who to vote for.
Who started this campaign?
This campaign was started by a group of cross-party volunteers that believe a country that is engaged in the political process is fairer and more democratic.
How is this campaign being funded?
#MyVoteMatters is being funded entirely by pooling the teams own limited funds.
How can I help?
– Connect with us on social media via Facebook and Twitter and help us spread this message far and wide. Please also spread the word in person to friends and family.
– Encourage those around you to register to vote if they have not done so already!
– Join the thunderclap here to help us reach as many people as possible on election day.I am a filmmaker and I want to help create content for the campaign
We’d be delighted to have you on board. Please get in touch via support@myvotematters.org.uk including your name and city where you are based and we’ll take it from there.
Do you invite press enquiries?
Yes, please email press@myvotematters.org.uk
Do you have a contact email address?
Feel free to drop us a line at hello@myvotematters.org.uk or connect with us on social media
Where do you get your statistics from?
They are sourced directly from government figures from the 2015 General Election and from reliable polls conducted by Ipsos Mori and YouGov in the immediate aftermath.