Why should I vote?

Voting is your democratic voice. The UK is a parliamentary democracy, so the public rarely gets the opportunity to vote on a specific issue, unless there is a special vote called a referendum. 

Instead of asking the public to vote on every issue, MPs have the mandate to represent the interests and views of their constituents in the House of Commons where they discuss, debate, and vote on legislation. Once an MP is selected, they will likely remain in position for five years until another general election takes place. This is why elections are so important. 

Many people choose to vote because it’s more likely that an MP whose views and policies they agree with will be elected to represent them.

Parliament makes decisions that affect every part of our lives, including our basic rights. The lives of LGBTQ+ people have been transformed by acts of Parliament in recent decades. Landmark changes like the decriminalisation of gay sex, equal marriage and anti-discrimination laws like The Equality Act were all decided upon by MPs. When you vote, you make your voice heard and help shape decisions about your rights, health, and wellbe

For more information about important laws that have affected LGBTQ+ people, check out our fact sheet.