General Election 2024: Why should I vote?

So, it’s nearly here. After six long weeks, a very soggy election announcement and a campaign rocked by gambling, D-Day interviews, paddle-boards and questions over when a prime minister should finish work, tomorrow Britain votes. If the polls are right, then Labour will form the next government and we could potentially see them sweep the country with a huge majority. But, if the conclusion seems like a sure thing, then why should we vote? What is the point of voting? Will it make a difference and what if you aren’t impressed with any parties?

Over the last few years, the public’s faith has been shaken in politics, and many people will be asking themselves not who they should vote for, but why they should bother at all. We have asked some of our leading academics that very question and here is what they said:

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Dr Amy Burrell, Research Fellow at the School of Psychology, said: “People might not feel that one vote matters but, the more people who vote, the truer our democracy. Whatever your views, it is important to feel represented. I recommend finding out about all of the candidates in your area, reading their pledges, looking at the different parties' priorities, and making a decision based on whose values most align with yours. We all belong to our society, and we all deserve a voice in how it is run.”

For the benefit of others

Sara Jones, Professor of Languages, Cultures and Societies, said: “In my research on European history in the twentieth century, I’ve studied how authoritarian systems work. Countries such as East Germany, the GDR, had elections, but without any real choice: in the first free elections in March 1990, the citizens of the GDR voted for change, but to do so, they had to bring an end to one-party rule through mass protests – mass protests that also brought down the Berlin Wall. When we go to vote, we are exercising a right to choice – a right to change who makes the rules that impact all of us in our everyday lives and which determine our collective futures. We might take that right for granted, but it is one which others in the not-too-distant past had to fight for (and in some cases die for). I’ll be taking to the ballot with me a concern for human rights, especially minority rights.”

Jenny Phillimore, Professor of Migration and Superdiversity, said that she would: “vote to shift the narrative around forced migration from sensationalist rhetoric to more pragmatic and humanitarian discourse. Vote to see the end of the ridiculously expensive and totally ineffective Rwanda policy and the introduction of policies that recognise our responsibility to offer protection under the International Refugee Convention.”

For investment in infrastructure

Paul Plummer, Professor in Rail Strategy and Director of Birmingham Centre for Rail Research and Education (BCRRE) said: “There is a broad political consensus that rail reform is required including the need for a new ‘guiding mind’ which brings together track and train, providing a focus on improving journey experience and enabling innovation. For me, the whole point of our transport system, and why it matters, is to enable positive economic, environmental and social change. And that's also why I think it matters that we use our vote in the general election.”

Sarah Montano, Professor of Retail Marketing, said: “As women, we have not had the vote for long and I am mindful that when my grandmother was born, she would not have had the right to vote. Women make approx. 70% of consumption decisions so I think it is important to turn out on Thursday to ensure that our voices are heard. In my professional capacity, one of the main issues I am calling on the Government-elect to address is the future of our high streets and support for retail outlets. With the demise of once much-loved brands such as Wilko, we have seen the challenges that the high streets are facing and once we lose them, they will be very difficult to get back.”

So, there we go, some reasons why our experts will be voting tomorrow, and why they think it is important we all do as well. Remember that polling stations are open from 7am and close at 10pm, if you are standing in the queue to vote by 10pm you will still be able to vote. You will also need to bring photo ID to cast your ballot in person, a list of which can be found on the gov.uk website. You can also find out who your MP candidates are and where your polling station is on The Electoral Commission website. Happy voting!