With the General Election tomorrow, Thursday, July 4th, it is time to start preparing for who you vote for. 

However, numerous people, especially South Asians, in the UK are choosing not to vote for many reasons: being unsure who to vote for, feeling unheard or unseen by elected representatives, and being uneducated on current matters or the ideology/manifestos of the various political parties.

Here are some reasons to vote if you are unsure or have chosen not to:   

• Making your voice heard—Voting for the MP and party that you feel best represents you and your morals is one of the key reasons to vote. Having an elected MP who represents your ideas and pushes for the plans you wish to see in place is more likely to create a government and a community where you will feel seen and heard, allowing you to feel respected and represented.   

• Representation matters—There’s been a significant increase in South Asians running for election. Voting for them, if they align with your values, means having someone in power who understands and actively addresses the challenges faced by South Asians in Britain. This is a powerful way to ensure your voice is heard, understood, and acted upon. 
• Additionally, the number of UK citizens of British Asian descent is vastly growing, currently making up 9.3% of the country’s population. A community of that size needs to have their voices heard. 

• Reflection of society—The UK is becoming more diverse, with people from numerous cultures. As such, the Government and House of Commons should reflect the diversity of the country. The only way to ensure that the communities of Britain are reflected and represented in the Government is by going out and voting.  

• Limiting the opposition—If you do not know who to vote for or don’t want to vote, you should still vote. If you do not vote, there is a risk that the elected candidate will not represent you or put forward plans that you agree with. It is better to vote against someone you don’t want to be elected than not vote at all.   

• Every vote is crucial – By casting your vote, you’re actively participating in the democratic process, have the power to shape the country’s future, and advocate for issues that matter to you. It’s vital to exercise your right to vote to bring about a positive change in the political landscape. 

Polling stations will open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th. You can find your nearest polling station here, and remember to bring a photo ID when voting this year.