Memorandum by Operation Black Vote (OBV)
(VOT 43)
Operation Black Vote began in July 1996 as a
collaboration between two organisations: Charter88 (which campaigns
for democratic reform) and the 1990 Trust, the only national Black
generic policy research and networking organisation, which uses
information technology as a primary means of communication.
MISSION STATEMENT
Operation Black Vote is the first initiative
to focus exclusively on the Black democratic deficit in the UK.
We believe that without a strong political voice for African,
Asian, Caribbean and other ethnic minorities, the ideal of equality
of opportunity—regardless of race and colour—will
remain an ideal.
We recognise that building a future Britain
in which African, Asian, Caribbean communities have a voice is
a long-term project. There is an entrenched cynicism about politics
within the Black community, especially among young people, which
cannot be addressed easily, or overnight.
In addition, overcoming stereotypical attitudes
and institutionalised racism within the dominant cultural and
political establishment will require a new willingness to communicate
and co-operate from both Black and White.
Our comprehensive programme includes political
education, participation and representation; our goal is for a
fair, just and inclusive democracy, one that allows our creativity,
energy and talent to fulfil its potential and enhance British
society.
VOTER REGISTRATION
Registering to vote is a fundamental part of
civic engagement. Without it one cannot take part in any election.
Because voter registration levels for BME communities, particularly
amongst Africans, Caribbeans, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, OBV
have consistently engaged in voter registration campaigns.
OBV has sought to make the political case to
encourage people to register to vote: Tackling racism, ensuring
MP's are more accountable to BME concerns, having greater control
over their lives. Financing our voter registration projects has
proven very difficult in recent years particularly since the introduction
of the Electoral Commission. Before the Electoral Commission responsibility
for campaigns was with the individual local authorities. Our experience
with them was patchy but nevertheless there were some that would
finance programs in their borough.
But after the Electoral Commission took over
their campaigns have generally been generic, or to the young and
very occasionally ads that have appeared directly in the Black
press. We have financed the first almost online Voter registration
form which is filled in on line printed and sent to us by free
post, we then send it direct to the appropriate local authority.
During the local and Mayoral elections OBV registered to vote
over 500 people. We hope to do the same programme for the forthcoming
general election.
PROBLEMS WITH
REGISTERING TO
VOTE
It is impossible to ascertain correct figures
from local authorities about voter registration because the present
system calculates 100% voter registration if one person registers
from that household. We would contact local authorities about
raising their levels of registration only to be told that their
levels were 95%-98%.
Our experience has shown that the electoral
offices were not keen to challenge their own figures because they
didn't want to show a drop in registration.
Individual registration forms would go a long
way to demonstrate truer levels of registration and allow local
authorities and the Electoral Commission to target low take up
areas.
It is also vitally important that the Government
recognise that if local authorities and the Electoral Commission
do not target BME groups then they should support those that will.
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