Housing sector joins forces to boost General Election turnout

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has kicked off a new campaign, ‘Operation Social Vote’, with the goal of boosting voter turnout among social tenants leading up to the upcoming General Election. Recent research has revealed that social tenants are one of the demographic groups least likely to cast their votes, with only 52% participating in the previous General Election, as reported by IPSOS Mori. This year, the election comes with a new mandate where voters must present valid photo identification at polling stations.

Housing associations and co-operatives all over Scotland have rallied behind the SFHA’s campaign, spreading awareness among tenants about key registration deadlines, postal voting options, and the specific forms of photographic ID required on the election day. Efforts have also been made to ensure tenants are well-informed about the location of their designated polling stations and how to reach them on the voting day.

Sally Thomas, the chief executive of SFHA, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaborative effort, stating, “I am thrilled to see the widespread support for SFHA’s Operation Social Vote campaign from housing associations across the country, all working towards the common goal of increasing voter engagement among social tenants.

“Historical data shows that social tenants are already among the groups with the lowest voter turnout, and with the heightened voter ID regulations for this General Election, it is crucial that tenants are equipped with all the necessary information to participate fully.

“Considering the significant impact of various policy decisions on tenants’ lives, it is imperative that their voices are heard and that they are empowered to take part in the democratic process.”

Andy O’Neill, the head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, remarked, “This upcoming UK General Election marks a significant milestone, as voters will be required to present photo ID at polling stations for the first time.

The Electoral Commission has collaborated with SFHA to disseminate essential information to help individuals prepare for voting day, emphasising the importance of checking whether they possess the appropriate ID before heading to the polling place on Thursday, 4 July.”

For further details, voters can visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.

To find information about their local polling station, voters can simply enter their postcode on the Electoral Commission’s website.