Dear friends,

We’re Reuben and Audrey. Despite our age difference, we are united by one shared belief: every vote should carry equal weight.

From first-time voters to lifelong campaigners, we are all living under an electoral system that silences millions of voices – First Past The Post. With the Elections Bill upcoming, it’s never been more important to come together and fight for our democracy.

Reuben represents the new generation of campaigners.

“I’ve been part of Young Make Votes Matter since its inception, and like so many, I have already felt the weight of a broken system. I voted tactically in the last election and it was the most uninspiring thing ever. I didn’t feel anything at all – I should never have to vote for someone I don’t want to vote for.

It’s not just about democracy in the abstract for me. A lot of people are having a hard time, and I think that needs to be recognised. We are all being impacted by economic inequality, polarisation and a sense of powerlessness. Proportional Representation is pivotal in improving things – actual people are impacted every day by our current voting system.

There’s a real sense of urgency now. The system is absolutely at its breaking point – but there is momentum! If we all contribute now, imagine what life could be like in just a few years. If people can chip in to support the movement, now is the time to do so. It’s the weeks and the months that matter.”

Audrey has spent a lifetime fighting for fair representation.

“I have never once had a vote that counted equally. This is true for me and for millions of people who have been disenfranchised for generations. It’s easy to feel powerless, but we, as the individual cogs in the wheel, can contribute – we can all help. It’s not just the political parties that have to come together; it’s all of us.

Because MVM is cross-party, you can talk to someone you might never agree with on anything else – but on fair votes, gosh, you do. You encourage each other, feed each other, and learn from each other. That’s how we’ll make votes matter: by working together and broadening this coalition as wide as we possibly can.

Our efforts are only possible with support from people like you, and right now, we urgently need your help. We are working together to achieve a future we can believe in: Reuben campaigning out on the streets at age 22, me campaigning from home in my eighties.”

Will you join us today by chipping in whatever you can? Your donation will:

• Help fund people like us to expand community organising and local group action
• Power public engagement and media outreach
• Strengthen the cross-party pressure that’s bringing real change closer every day

This is a network of thousands of people just like us, and we know that, given the resources we can bring in the change we need!

This appeal is about building a future we can hope for, and right now, hope is what we all desperately need. Give the gift of democracy this Christmas.

In solidarity,

Reuben and Audrey

P.S. The coming months are critical with the Elections Bill coming up. Please give what you can today – together, we can make every vote count. Your continued support powers everything we do. Thank you for being part of this movement.