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Business groups, employers, and civil society organisations are joining forces to bolster voter turnout across the UK through the innovative Voter Registration Champions scheme launched by Citizens UK. With approximately 8 million people currently unregistered to vote, the initiative seeks to raise awareness and facilitate participation in the democratic process.
Leading business associations, including the British Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, and the Better Business Act, are rallying their combined membership, representing nearly 300,000 businesses nationwide, to endorse and participate in the Voter Registration Champion Scheme. The goal is to equip employees with the necessary information on voter registration deadlines, ID requirements, and polling day procedures, encouraging active participation in elections.
National Voter Registration Day serves as a pivotal reminder for citizens to ensure their voter registration status ahead of forthcoming elections. This concerted effort draws inspiration from successful voter engagement campaigns in the United States, where corporate involvement has played a significant role in boosting voter participation.
Jonathan Cox, Deputy Director at Citizens UK, emphasized the impact of businesses’ involvement in promoting voter engagement, stating, “The simple act of reminding your employees to register to vote, informing them of the new Voter ID rules, and encouraging them to vote on polling day will make a huge difference.”
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, highlighted the importance of local political decisions to businesses and communities across the UK, underscoring the Chamber network’s influential role in spreading awareness about voter registration and turnout.
Craig Beaumont, Chief of External Affairs at the Federation of Small Businesses, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the pivotal role of small business owners and the self-employed in shaping political outcomes. With members representing a significant portion of the voting population, the Federation is leveraging its platform to encourage voter participation at both local and national levels.
Chris Smallwood, Owner of Anchor Removals and Storage in Greater Manchester, lauded the initiative, becoming the first employer accredited as a Voter Registration Champion. Smallwood emphasized the importance of businesses in supporting and educating citizens on the significance of voting, pledging his company’s commitment to promoting voter registration and facilitating employee participation on polling day.
Through collaborative efforts and grassroots engagement, businesses are playing a vital role in fostering a more inclusive and participatory democracy in the UK.
