Democracy's Moment

Why your vote matters more than ever...

As we stand on the eve of what could be a truly landmark general election, I wanted to reach out and emphasise just how crucial your participation is in shaping the future of British democracy.

After 14 years of Conservative-led government, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The political landscape that has defined Britain for over a decade is poised for a potential seismic shift. This isn't just another election – it's a rare opportunity to redefine how our democracy functions and to push for the reforms we've long championed.

The polls have consistently shown a significant lead for Labour, but as we've learnt from past elections, nothing is certain until the final vote is counted. Every single vote matters, and your voice is more important than ever. Whether you've already cast your postal ballot or plan to visit your polling station tomorrow, your participation is vital in this historic moment.

While much attention has focused on the two major parties, this election could reshape British politics beyond Labour and the Conservatives. The Liberal Democrats are optimistic about their chances to overtake the SNP as the third- largest party in Westminster. The Greens are eyeing potential breakthroughs in key areas. And newer forces like Reform UK are making their presence felt. This shifting dynamic among smaller parties could create new opportunities – and challenges – for pursuing electoral reform and other democratic changes we believe in.

It's crucial to remember that regardless of the outcome, the work of reforming our democracy is far from over. In fact, it's just beginning. If Labour does form the next government, they will face immense challenges – from a struggling economy to eroded public trust in political institutions. These very challenges underscore why reforms like proportional representation are so desperately needed.

This is why we're calling on you not just to vote, but to be ready to push for change from day one of the new Parliament. Whether we see a Labour majority, a hung Parliament, or any other scenario, the voice of democratic reformers must be loud and clear. We need to demonstrate that electoral reform isn't a fringe issue, but a vital step in addressing the root causes of many problems facing our nation.

Here's what you can do:

1. Vote: If you haven't already, make sure you cast your ballot tomorrow. Bring friends, family, and neighbours to the polls. Every vote truly counts.

2. Spread the word: Use your social media, talk to your colleagues, engage your community. Remind everyone of the importance of this election and the potential for change.

3. Stay engaged: Whatever the result, be ready to contact your new or re- elected MP immediately. Let them know that electoral reform is a priority for you and explain why.

4. Join our post-election campaign: We'll be launching new initiatives to keep the pressure on for democratic reform. Your continued support and activism will be crucial.

Remember, even if we see a dramatic shift in Parliament, change won't happen automatically. The forces of the status quo are powerful, and only sustained pressure from engaged citizens like you can overcome them.

As we've seen in recent years, our political system is capable of producing surprising and tumultuous results. From Brexit to the rapid turnover of Prime Ministers, we've witnessed how our current electoral system can lead to instability and governments that don't truly reflect the will of the majority.

This election is our chance to start changing that. By pushing for proportional representation and other key reforms, we can build a democracy that truly works for everyone – not just the politically connected or those in "swing seats".

Imagine a Parliament where every vote truly counts, where parties have to work together to form stable governments, and where the diverse views of the British public are accurately represented. That's the vision we're fighting for, and tomorrow's election is a crucial step on that journey.

So as you prepare to cast your vote, remember that you're not just choosing an MP or a government. You're participating in a pivotal moment that could reshape British democracy for generations to come. Your vote is your voice – use it wisely, and be ready to keep using it in the crucial weeks and months ahead.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to building a better democracy. Together, we can make this election a turning point for Britain.

Wishing you all the best for election day,

Mark Kieran
CEO, Open Britain

Thanks for reading the very first post on Open Britain’s brand new Substack, Ugly Politix. This is a new stream of content from us that’s going to pick up massively post-election, allowing OB team members and other contributors to share their thoughts on the pressing issues facing democracy today.