Get your vote out!
The NUS represents over 5.2 million students, roughly 13% of the electorate, and collectively and individually we can be very influential on an MP's thinking about a wide range of constituency and national issues. The student vote alone could swing the election result in a number of constituencies across the UK and if we vote for candidates based on the issues that affect us, imagine the influence it could have!
NUS does not believe in apathy. Research shows that people are not apathetic about politics, instead, they are disengaged or disillusioned with political processes. Research by the Hansard Society after the 2001 general election found that many non-voters had consciously chosen not to vote. This was positive abstention, rather than apathy.
Here at NUS we've prepared four briefings to help you prepare for May 5th and Get the Vote Out. The briefings cover the following areas:
Briefing 1: Legal Issues in the General Election
Briefing 2: How to Use NUS Education Manifesto
Briefing 3: Encouraging Debates on Campus
Briefing 4: Activities during Election Week
Please pay particular attention to Briefing 1. As charities, Students' Unions must follow strict guidelines when organising debates and other election activities. If you have any queries during the election period please contact Paul Guscin, NUS Public Affairs Officer, for further advice, on NUS' 'Election Hotline' - 020 7272 8900 or email campaigns@nus.org.uk
Election posters for use on campus and in halls of residence
Download posters.
Student Power - Use Your Vote
Click here to read your election special newsletter with information on postal votes, polling stations and Get The Vote Out wristbands.
Get your wristband
NUS has produced ‘get the vote out’ wristbands to publicise the campaign. The wristbands exist to encourage students to go to the ballot box, and highlight the power of the student vote.
Please complete this form to order wristbands for your union. Download an order form here
MP voting records
This table shows you at a glance how MPs voted on issues that directly affect you as a student. See how your MP voted on the 2nd and 3rd reading of the Higher Education Bill - the top-up fees Bill! See if your MP supported Amendment 128 which aimed to remove the variable element of the Bill. It also includes information on the Draft Higher Education (Northern Ireland) Order which allowed English, Scottish and Welsh MPs to vote on the introduction of top-up fees in Northern Ireland.
Student views
Will students be voting? Why? On what issues? Click here to find out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fore more information on NUS’ Get The Vote Out Campaign please click here
Sign up to the Education Manifesto
This is the time to move NUS policy goals to the top of the political agenda; to ensure the present government, political parties and MPs respond to the needs of Higher & Further Education students for the benefit of students today and tomorrow. This is your opportunity to deliver a strong message to your local MP(s).
Students, MPs and key organisations are signing up to the manifesto each day and will be taking issues forward in the run up to the general election. To pledge your support for the manifesto email your name and university to manifesto@nus.org.uk
NUS National President Kat Fletcher said: “This is an exciting time for the organisation, and for the student movement as a whole. The student vote is clearly a worry to the government and so we want to make sure that our members are equipped and ready to exercise their rights and vote on the issues that matter to them.”
Read the manifesto: www.nusonline.co.uk/educationmanifesto
Return to this campaign's homepage or view all articles in this campaign.