October newsletter Dear Roger, Hello and welcome to the October edition of our newsletter! It’s spooky season, and we know what’s really spooky. Being haunted by a government that two-thirds of people didn’t vote for - and the spectre of an even less popular one waiting to take its place. Millions of voices unheard, buried in a graveyard of wasted votes. All because of an undead Victorian voting system, sucking life out of our democracy like a political vampire. It’s time to drive a stake through the heart of First Past the Post - before it rises again. Scroll down to read about what our activists have been up to over the past month. As always, thank you for your continued support. |
Check out these amazing pumpkins carved by MVM activist Andy Berriman! |
Young MVM It’s been a busy time for our youth branch. Here’s some of the things they’ve been up to: Beyond the Ballot: On the 14th of October, our young campaigners organised an event with the London Assembly about building a political culture that engages young people. The London Assembly is elected using Proportional Representation, which makes it an interesting case study of what politics could look like under a fairer voting system. Young MVM member Reuben Bance wrote a blog about the event here. You can also watch a recording of the discussion here. Votes at 16: BA Politics student and campaigner Bertie Bramham wrote about the government’s policy to lower the voting age to 16 - and why first-time voters need Proportional Representation to make sure their votes count. Read here. Why the climate needs PR: Young MVM Coordinator and environmental activist Livvy Gibbs wrote about the connections between fixing our broken democracy and tackling the climate crisis. Read here. And finally… Check out this video that our young activists made for Halloween! Watch it on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook. |
Is it time for Conservatives to consider Proportional Representation? As Make Votes Matter, we’re proud to work with members and supporters of all parties. Historically, the Conservatives have defended First Past the Post - but this is starting to change, with a majority of Tory voters now declaring support for electoral reform. This week, former MP Nigel Evans joined our All-Activist Call to talk about the movement for PR inside the Conservative Party, and the need for more Conservative voices in the campaign for fair votes.
If you missed it, you can watch the recording here.
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Community Mobilisation Training in Coventry Last week, we hosted an activist training day, alongside friends at My Life My Say, the Bylines Network, Hope Not Hate and the European Movement. We heard valuable insights from experienced campaigners and MVM allies including Femi Oluwole and Caroline Lucas. Thank you to everyone who joined - in person or online! |
In other news · Anna Dixon MP recently joined our activists at a stall in Shipley. The action was featured in the local press, including in the Burnley Express, Halifax Courier, Wakefield Express and others. Dixon said: “After decades of campaigning, it feels like PR is closer than ever”. We couldn't agree more! · Time’s up for our voting system but who will be brave enough to change it? - asked our CEO Emma Harrison in her blog for Best for Britain. Read here. · The problems with First Past the Post and the death of the two-party system are continuing to attract significant media coverage. Recently, it was discussed on LBC, Radio 4, Newsnight - and more. · And finally, congratulations to Lucy Powell who recently got elected as Labour’s Deputy Leader! Powell has previously expressed support for PR, and we’re looking forward to working together. |
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This is a crucial period for our campaign. The damage First Past the Post is doing to our politics is unsustainable. The government’s Elections Bill is expected to be published in the coming months. Currently, it doesn’t address our dysfunctional voting system, and we are working hard to change this.
Everything we do depends on people like you. If you support our work and want to help make an impact, please consider donating here.
With hope and dedication, Ana Make Votes Matter |
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Make Votes Matter Copyright © 2019-2025 Make Votes Matter, all rights reserved. Make Votes Matter is a single-issue campaign for Proportional Representation in the House of Commons and encourages all parties, candidates and MPs to support PR. It does not endorse any party or candidates. Promoted by Make Votes Matter, 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AX. |
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