The UK Democracy Fund is an independent and non-partisan pooled fund, hosted by the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, which exists to ensure every person in the UK has access to their right to vote. There are an estimated 8 million people missing from the electoral register in the UK. Analysis of the demographic of those not registered to vote shows that they are more likely to be young, have been born overseas, be from a minority ethnic community, rent their home, and have a lower income. This amounts to political inequity. The Fund aims to get 1 million voters from low voting groups registered and voting in the next general election, build support for reforms to ensure an accessible voting system, and advocate for expanding the franchise.
The Symondson Foundation has committed to three years of unrestricted funding to support The UK Democracy Fund in reaching the most marginalised and underrepresented demographics, building voice, agency and power through participation in elections.
