With the election around the corner, it’s important to remember: a vote is a voice. It’s a case of ‘use it or lose it.’

In 2022, the Quids in! team promised the people we help: “We see you. We hear you. We are you.” We know many feel ignored and left behind.

A vote is a voice. It’s a case of ‘use it or lose it’.

Research shows people on lower incomes are less likely to vote. Homeowners are more likely to vote than renters, giving them more say on the government that will make decisions on housing policy.

White British people are also more likely to register to vote, and nine in ten (89%) have done so. By contrast, 86% with Indian heritage, 75% among those of Afro-Caribbean or African descent, and just 61% of EU migrants have signed up.

Many feel ignored by politics. If our partner treated us like that, we’d have two choices: Speak up or put up with it. If that partner tried to silence us, we’d call it abuse.

To vote in person, we must take ID, which people on lower incomes are less likely to have. It’s starting to feel like they don’t want us to vote. We can use a passport, driving licence, blue badge, bus pass or a proof of age document. Check what ID is accepted by clicking here.

Lot’s of people feel one vote won’t make a difference. But think of the election like a ‘bring-a-dish dinner’ where the only guests to bring goodies turn up with caviar and oysters. The more of us who turn up with the things we’d all eat, the better. It’s more likely we’ll all get fed.

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