Make My Vote Count

The campaign for voter choice and a more representative parliament

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Londoners understood that their votes mattered

Whoever wins the London mayoral and assembly counts later tonight, these elections have been good for voters, good for the parties and good for London democracy.

The high turnout figures in London, estimated at 45%, and in many places predicted to be above general election levels, show what happens when you get a competitive election and voting systems that give voters increased choice and the power to affect the result no matter where in the city they live. Londoners have understood that every vote actually can matter and have responded accordingly. This picture favourably contrasts with the local elections across the rest of the country, where turnout is significantly lower, at 35%, and far fewer voters would have felt they could have made a difference.

It may be the third set of London elections, but this is the first time that political parties, the media and civil society organisations have really got stuck in to explaining how the different systems work and how people can make the most of their votes. What we are seeing is the benefits of this education and attention.

The London voting systems encourage campaigning and ‘get-out-the-vote’ activity by parties in their heartland areas – those places and voters often marginalised during other elections. It appears these voters have responded to this increased attention and the rare opportunity they have to matter, and are likely to have had a significant impact on the result.

Posted: 02/05/08

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