Last week we got in touch about a simple idea that could make our democracy fairer and stronger: Automatic Voter Registration (AVR). This would mean that every voter would automatically be put on the electoral roll. At the moment millions are missing and often those with unstable housing, private renters, students, ethnic minority backgrounds, lower socio-economic status, or disabilities.
Just around 65% of private renters are correctly registered, compared with 95% of homeowners.
Additionally, while the government has committed to extending the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds, without automatic voter registration it is estimated that only around 60% will actually be registered. As a result, despite having the right to vote, their practical impact is likely to be minimal.
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AVR would ensure that millions of people who are currently missing from the electoral roll, young people, renters, ethnic minority communities, and disabled voters, are automatically registered and able to have their say at election time.
It’s a small change that could make a huge difference to how inclusive and compassionate our politics is.
Thank you for being part of this.
With hope,
Jennifer Nadel
Compassion in Politics