Britons must learn one thing from the US election – every vote counts

After months of intense campaigning and controversial debates, the American election has finally reached its conclusion. The victory for president-elect Joe Biden has proven that an alternative world is possible, and integral to his win were the votes from young people and those from underrepresented communities – those whose voices have been traditionally neglected by mainstream politics. It should be a lesson for us here in Britain that every vote counts, and every voice matters.   

This election has shown the power of on-the-ground organising, the importance of strategy, and the desire for a progressive political alternative. Generation Z, has begun to understand issues that are facing America and the structures that built a nation. From racial inequality to climate change and the economy, young people are fighting back, and there is power in their vote.

Georgia was a prime example where young people made their voices heard. Young voters contributed 21 per cent of Georgia’s overall votes – that is 1 in 5 voters in the state being a young person. It was the highest percentage of youth voter turnout recorded in the country’s history, and the extent to which young voters shaped the course of the election should not be underestimated. This is exactly how Georgia switched hands from Republican to Democrat.

With former Republican states turning Democrat by no more than a few percentage points, the mobilisation of black and young voters was effective in key swing states. This can be seen in Atlanta, Georgia where Black voters transformed the state into Democrat by a margin of just 0.28 per cent. This election saw a historic turnout particularly amongst those who, for far too long, have felt disenfranchised.

Following the failures of the Trump Administration to coherently address the coronavirus pandemic, the use of mail-in ballots was record-breaking. The will of the people was expressed democratically and in turn, led to an unwillingness from president Trump to accept the election result, stating absurd and inaccurate claims about voter fraud, which CNN later debunked.

For us here in Britain this election highlights that democracy is not a farce and citizens have an enormous amount of power when it comes to electing their future leaders. Trump’s panicked response shows that he fears a politically vocal electorate determined to challenge the status quo.

The activism that underpinned the victory for Biden, can and must be applied here. It is unquestionable that the base created a groundswell of support that propelled Biden and Harris to victory. These movements in many instances were led by young people. Determined to challenge a racist, misogynistic and homophobic narrative that had become dominant in American politics. young people led the way, and as a result this translated electorally.

In both the UK and the US, trust in democracy has been brought into question. However, while distrust in our democratic systems has previously translated into political hostility, Biden’s victory represents a change in democratic integrity and will rebuild public trust in our democracy. And this is something that those of us in Britain must learn – democracy is a powerful asset and citizens have the power to shape politics.

America’s election has highlighted the determination of young voters and the willingness to campaign on real issues that truly affect them and their communities. As the CEO of My Life My Say – a youth-led charity that seeks to promote and increase democratic engagement amongst young people from underrepresented communities, I’ve seen the power of youth-led activism, and I’ve noticed that they are increasingly ignored by politicians. 

No longer can politicians refuse to engage or dismiss the contributions made by young people across the world. From climate strikes to youth-led Black Lives Matter protests and the MeToo movement, young people are trailblazers towards a better world, and they are our future.  

The US election has provided an invaluable lesson for us here in the UK. Our democracy is only strengthened when participation is increased and everyone has the opportunity to cast their vote. We also have the ability to transform the political picture in the UK when we truly empower and engage with those who have been neglected. 

Young voters helped craft an image for a future America, with proposals to address climate breakdown with a goal to achieve emissions-free power by 2035 to address coronavirus and the economic and social re-development that is needed to create a society that doesn’t just work again – but works better.

Our votes really do matter. We must never underestimate our voices politically and what happened in America can happen in Britain too. At a time where coronavirus is infringing on our abilities to continue with life as normal, let the American general election be a solace, that despite a pandemic, we can encourage mass voter registration and postal ballots, we can work with community and activist groups and we can rebuild a base with young people at the helm to reshape Britain, and truly make our society work for those who have too long been neglected by the Westminster system.

Mete Coban MBE is a Labour Party councillor and CEO of youth-led democracy charity My Life My Say