As the voter registration deadline looms, UK residents host Mass Lobby Day to demand Votes for All
The mass lobby - organised by Migrant Democracy Project - will take place on 20 April, 2026 (1:30-3:30PM) at Victoria Tower Gardens South. Migrant residents from Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England will meet with MPs to urge them to support their right to vote.
WHEN: 20 April, 2026 (the voter registration deadline) | 1:30 - 3:30PM
WHERE: Victoria Tower Gardens South
WHY: Local elections are happening across the UK on the 7 May, 2026, but millions of people will be locked out of the ballot box simply because of their nationality. On 20 April, the deadline for voter registration, residents from across the UK will convene at the Houses of Parliament to stage a mass lobby in support of Votes for All.
WHO: The Mass Lobby is organised by Migrant Democracy Project. We will be joined by partner organisations and residents from across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to urge MPs to support their right to vote.
Houses of Parliament, London, UK – Local elections are happening across the UK on the 7 May, 2026, but millions of people will be locked out of the ballot box simply because of their nationality. On 20 April, the deadline for voter registration, residents from across the UK will convene at the Houses of Parliament to stage a mass lobby in support of Votes for All.
“I was born and raised in Brazil. I’ll never forget officially voting for the first time at the age of 17 and how proud I felt at that moment,” says Raissa, a resident in Belfast, and spokesperson for the Votes for All campaign, “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to do the same with my daughter. I have lived in Northern Ireland for 12 years, I work, pay taxes, own a house. Why can’t I vote for the people who make decisions that directly affect my life?”
Raissa is one of the millions of UK residents who will be unable to vote in these upcoming elections. Over 4 million residents in the UK cannot vote in general elections, and over 1 million cannot vote in either local or parliamentary elections. In contrast, Scotland and Wales implemented residence-based voting rights for their local and devolved elections in 2021.
“The Representation of the People Bill is the Government’s big promise to create a fairer democracy. Without extending the franchise to all migrant residents in the UK, however, that goal will not be met. We are confident that votes for all is the way forward," says Lara Parizotto, Executive Director at Migrant Democracy Project, "Scotland and Wales extended the franchise alongside lowering the voting age to 16 year olds. It’s time Parliament aligns the nations and ensures all 16-year olds, and all residents have the right to vote in their home. This is about democracy, justice, social cohesion, and everyone getting the chance to shape their future.”
After three years of rigorous advocacy and organising, Migrant Democracy has the opportunity to win their campaign for residence-based voting rights. In the most recent Parliamentary session, Manuela Perteghella, MP for Stratford-on-Avon, has tabled an amendment in the Representation of the People bill that would extend the franchise to all UK residents in both local and general elections. Many other MPs have spoken out in support of Votes for All:
“I’d particularly like to encourage ministers to take seriously the work of Migrant Democracy Project. I believe we should use this opportunity to extend the franchise to more adult residents, not just younger ones, given that there are 4 million people in this country that can’t vote in a general election.” - James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe, at the debate of the Representation of the People bill on 2 March, 2026
Press is invited to attend the mass lobby at 1:30PM on 20 April at Victoria Tower Gardens South, SW1P 3JA. Spokespersons, council candidates, and campaign leaders will be available for interview. Please RSVP with olivia@migrantdemos.org.uk if you are interested in attending.
—
