Make Votes Matter is the national movement for Proportional Representation

Submit Evidence

Now is your chance to join us by submitting a short, personal testimony to the Modernising Elections Inquiry, focusing on your experience of UK democracy, whether you feel like your vote counts, and how the current system could be improved.

Guide to Submitting Individual Evidence to the Modernising Elections Inquiry

 

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee is asking for written evidence on the future of UK elections. This is a real opportunity to highlight why moving to Proportional Representation (PR) is more urgent than ever.

Submission deadline: Wednesday 22 April

 

What to focus on

For submitting evidence as an individual, don’t worry about answering all the inquiry’s questions. Instead, you can focus on how your personal experience with democracy in the UK has been affected by our outdated voting system. Below are simple questions to guide your submission. For a comprehensive list of topics included in the inquiry, see the Terms of Reference.

Democratic engagement

  • What’s your experience of UK democracy today?
  • Do you feel your vote counts?
  • What would increase participation?

Modernisation of elections

  • Is the current electoral system fit for purpose?
  • What changes would improve fairness and representation?
  • What international examples show better systems?

FINAL QUESTION (IMPORTANT)

  • “What other changes to the UK’s body of electoral law would you like to see?” – This is where you can clearly argue for Proportional Representation


Writing your submission

The most effective submissions will be short, personal, and focused:

  • Start with who you are
      1. A few lines about yourself
      2. Why this issue matters to you
  • Tell your story
      1. Your experience of elections in the UK
      2. Examples (e.g., feeling like your vote didn’t count, safe seats, tactical voting)
  • Make the case for change
      1. Why the current system falls short
      2. How PR would improve things (fairness, engagement, trust, etc.)
  • Link to the inquiry questions
    1. Refer to one or two of the topics above
    2. Keep it relevant, but don’t worry about covering everything


Important notes

  • Be concise (under 3,000 words, but less is better)
  • Do not publish your submission elsewhere (e.g. on blogs or social media)
  • Your evidence will likely be published online permanently
    • Your name is usually included
    • Contact details are not published
  • You can request:
    • Anonymity (name removed)
    • Confidentiality (not published)


What to avoid

  • Don’t focus on individual complaints expecting action
  • Don’t include ongoing legal causes or sensitive details about other people
  • Avoid overly technical language


How to submit

Submit Now