Potentially millions of people, some of whom are the most affected by the Conservative Party’s policies, may not be registered to vote. There are over 12 million renters in the UK, but 37% are not registered to vote. This compares to just 7% of homeowners. Also, anyone who has moved since the EU referendum and has not re-registered will not be eligible. But there are still five days to change this. And it only takes three minutes.
Generation rent
According to the campaign group Renter’s Vote, 11 million people voted for the Tories in the last election. But there are 12 million renters across the UK. And it is trying to mobilise people to vote:
More of us are renting for the long term. It wouldn’t be so bad if rented homes were decent, affordable and secure. But let’s face it, renting in Britain today sucks. Mouldy bedrooms, scary landlords and sky-high rents… it doesn’t have to be like this.
The 2017 General Election is a chance to force renting onto the political agenda. Together, we have power. #RentersVote is about getting that power, by mobilising the collective voice of 12million+ who rent.
The group surveyed 10,000 renters to finalise their demands. They include rent control, abolishing tenancy fees, and building more social housing. And these are areas where the Tories are drastically failing.
Missing voters
As The Canary previously reported, figures from the Electoral Reform Society show that changes in the way people register to vote are impacting on the numbers of people eligible. Previously, parents and/or universities could register children and students. But now, it’s up to everyone to register individually.
Also, anyone who has moved since the EU referendum needs to register again. And for a generation of renters who often get stuck in six to twelve month short-term contracts, this could be a problem.
And while these changes disproportionately affect young people, there’s still hope. In just three days, 103,439 18-to-24-year-olds registered. This surge has continued. And this age group is much more likely to vote Labour. According to polls, Labour has a 19% lead in among this group.
Importantly, there’s still time. So if you’ve moved since Brexit or just aren’t sure whether you’re registered, now is the time to do something about it. We have an opportunity to get rid of the Tories. But this isn’t going to happen if those whom the government is screwing over the most, such as young people and renters, do not register.
A Tory landslide isn’t inevitable. And seeing the crowds coming out to support Corbyn shows how many people are desperate for an alternative. Grab this opportunity. Register to vote. Don’t put it off. It only takes three minutes. So stop whatever you’re doing and just do it now. Together, we can make a difference and build a better society that benefits all of us rather than just the rich elites.
Get Involved!
– Register to vote in the 8 June general election.
– Discuss the key policy issues with family members, colleagues and neighbours. And organise! Join (and participate in the activities of) a union, an activist group, and/or a political party.
– Also read more Canary articles on the 2017 general election.
Featured image by Emily Apple for The Canary
