Does my vote matter?

Every time we approach an election, there will be those of us who feel sure of ourselves and our impact, and those of us who start to question ‘Does my vote really matter?’. There is no shame in either feeling, and voting can be a very personal experience. Depending on your political standing, you might think that no single party at present is catering to your best interests, or you might think that there is indeed a party with whom you agree but that they aren’t likely to win. Is there a point in casting your vote? 

Our short answer: yes! But let’s get into why. 

Your vote’s local & wider impact

People often think that their vote doesn’t matter if the party they support isn’t likely to win the overall election. Even if you think you aren’t voting for a party that’s likely to win, your vote still counts, especially in the context of the UK’s electoral system, let us explain... 

When you vote in a general election, you are voting for a Member of Parliament (MP) to represent your local constituency (area). There are 650 constituencies across the UK and 17 in Kent. The party that wins MPs in more than half of those constituencies forms the government – but that leaves a possible 324 other seats in parliament for MPs from other parties (or independents). While those MPs don’t have as much power as the cabinet or ministers (appointed by the Prime Minister from their own winning party), they can still vote in parliament, debate ideas, raise issues, and even propose bills. 

When a party secures more seats in parliament, its ability to push for policies that align with it increases – including those that support nature and the environment. 

Wider impact 

Think about the wider impact of having more MPs who prioritise wildlife and the environment. They can: 

• Advocate for green policies 
• Hold the government to account 
• Raise awareness in parliamentary debates. 

Local impact 

In terms of local impact, too, voting will have a direct effect on your community. Say you choose a candidate who is committed to environmental protection – you're not only supporting their national agenda but also making sure your local area is represented by someone who values wildlife. In your local area, MPs can: 

• Influence local policies by working with councils 
• Secure funding for local green projects and resources 
• Listen to and engage with the concerns of constituents, bringing their voices to parliament. 

Check an MP’s voting record Local Intelligence Hub 

• W – wildlife recovery. Do they have a plan for managing habitat loss and species recovery? 
• I – incentives for nature-friendly farming. Do they support a shift towards regenerative, nature-friendly methods? 
• L – land, river, and sea pollution. Do they promise to deal with sewage and agricultural pollution? 
• D – developments that defend & restore nature, not destroy it. Do they argue for better regulation around how and where developments are built?