A real democracy must include votes for all!

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and Minister for Homelessness and Democracy Rushanara Ali,

The Government has released its plans for democratic reforms in the UK. Yay!

The policy paper, titled "Restoring trust in our democracy: Our strategy for modern and secure elections", includes much awaited extension of franchise to 16-17 year olds as well as other important reforms such as automatic voter registration.

But it has no proposals for the extension of the right to vote to migrant residents in the UK. How can this policy paper truly aim to "modernise" democracy when it will still leave millions of residents unenfranchised?

Over 1.2 million residents in the UK have no right to vote and all and over 4.4 million residents cannot vote in parliamentary elections.

Sign this petition now and demand that the Government implement residence-based voting rights for a fairer and more modern democracy that listens to us all!

To: Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and Minister for Homelessness and Democracy Rushanara Ali,
From: [Your Name]

How can your Government's plans to restore trust in democracy still leave millions of residents unenfranchised?

Currently in the UK, over 1.2 million residents have no right to vote at all - not even for their parish councillors. These are residents who live, work, and study in the UK. They are your constituents. They contribute to society in so many ways. These are our neighbours from countries like the US, Syria, Ukraine, Argentina and beyond.

Over 4.4 million residents cannot vote in Parliamentary elections.

Why should so many people be left out of democracy? A truly universal democracy must extend the right to vote to all its residents.

Your Government's new policy paper and future Elections Bill must include residence-based voting rights.

When Scotland and Wales extended their franchise to 16-17 year olds, they simultaneously extended the franchise to all foreign residents. These reforms go hand in hand.

We value the Government's recognition that 16 year olds should vote. However, a Brazilian resident, whether they are 16 or 60, will still be left out of democratic participation.

We ask you to please meet with campaigners from Migrant Democracy Project and unenfranchised residents and hear their request for the right to vote to all residents.

It has worked in Scotland and Wales. It will work across the UK.

Without extending the franchise to all residents, the system will remain confusing and unjust.

This is your opportunity to make a real democracy happen.