What are the benefits of voting, and registering to vote?

Why vote?

Voting allows you choose who represents you and influence how decisions are made on matters that affect you and your community. Even if change isn't immediate, voting helps build a picture of what you care about, which is used to guide decisions over time.

Voting is your way to make your voice heard and make a difference on issues you care about. Two people with different skin tones shaking hands.

Make sure you get heard with a ballot paper and pencil underneath. Using your voice helps build stronger communities.

Benefits of voter registration

Registering to vote means you can take part in elections that you're eligible for, have your voice heard in decisions that affect your life, and can be selected to contribute to democracy in other ways like jury service. It can also improve your credit score.

Colour scale in shape of an arch with red and poor on the right through to green and excellent on the left. There is an arrow pointing to the green, excellent section. Did you know that being registered to vote can improve your credit score? It takes a few minutes, so register now at Register to vote - GOV.UK. Digital imprint states: Supported by the Greater London Authority, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, London E16 1ZE. Printed and promoted by Shout Out UK, 240 Portobello Road, London W11 1LL.

Courts use the electoral register to select jurors. Traditional weighing scales pictured are balanced. If you’re registered, you can be called to serve. More representative juries mean fairer verdicts.