Today I found out the site is closing. I’ll paste in their announcement in full, because it gives useful background, but also points to other valuable sources of information for democracy. Over to Matt …
After 15 years, five general elections, 4 million users and the incredible support of this community, I’m writing to share that Vote for Policies will not be continuing into the next UK General Election - and we are no longer developing the Manifesto Tracker.
Why...
This decision hasn’t come easily. I’ve wrestled with it for a long time, but I believe now is the right time to call it a day. Here’s why:
Declining reach: Running VfP during elections demands huge energy. Despite our best efforts in 2024, we couldn’t match - let alone double (as was the target) - the 1 million users who used the site in 2019. I’m proud of what we achieved, but it’s no longer enough to justify the effort.
Automation limitations: After lots of experimentation, we still don't have the technology needed to automate policy tracking so it can be run sustainably without significant investment. It’s no longer practical to continue.
Full Fact's Government Tracker: The brilliant fact-checking organisation Full Fact, has launched their own Government Tracker. They have the resources, networks, and credibility needed to do this work justice - and I couldn't be happier they are taking the baton.
Changing landscape: Democracy has changed dramatically since VfP launched in 2010. The challenges are bigger, more complex, and demand different approaches. Clinging to one model isn’t the answer - I believe I can make a greater contribution by stepping back and looking for a new approach.
Reflections: what I've learned
For me, closing Vote for Policies isn’t the end. It’s a moment to reflect, and a chance to issue a call to action.
Because here’s the truth: democratic participation is in a deeper crisis today than when we started. The most compelling evidence of this comes from the Edelman Trust Barometer. Over the past 25 years, the survey has tracked the consistent decline in the public's trust in governments, public institutions and the media - both in the UK and globally. This year’s report shows how a generation of institutional failures has erupted into what is being termed the 'crisis of grievance'. Old models of engagement are no longer enough.
In fact, the only constant that I have witnessed is successive governments’ lack of meaningful action to drive democratic engagement. We cannot wait for them, change must come from us. So if we want to turn the tide, we need a better approach. Here’s what I have learned:
Non-partisan voices matter more than ever In the midst of polarisation, grievance and division, we need services that are there for us regardless of our views and beliefs. We need services that keep us informed - that give us accurate information and that allow us to ask questions without fear of judgement, and give us opportunities to move our position. Being a non-partisan voice isn’t easy and can invite attack, arguably more so nowadays. It requires humility, deep transparency, and an expectation you’ll get it wrong sometimes. But this is an arena we need more people to step into. We must support those who do.
New approaches to funding are needed Current funding of non-partisan services is a fraction of what's needed. Of what little funding is available, true democracy campaigns fall between the cracks - either too risky for funders who don’t want to be be seen to support any one party, or not biased enough for those who do. And the nature of funding often focuses on short-term, transactional outcomes that kill ambition, and create competition between organisations instead of collaboration. Instead we need longer-term investment from new sources that empower (and understand) experimentation, partnerships, and joined-up, system-level thinking. This in turn will require new business models - sustainable revenue sources that force us to be more accountable to the impact we achieve. In 2021 we were somewhat on the way with our Manifesto Tracker, and I believe it can be done.
Communicate in ways that instil agency, possibility, and hope This isn’t just relevant for democracy campaigners, but any campaign or services fighting for systemic change. We’ve all seen enough of the doom-laden messages and images telling us how bad things are. It isn’t helping. Only focusing on the problem leaves us feeling alienated and powerless. Instead we need to invite people in, tell new stories that show us what a better future looks like, that point to change that is already underway, and restore our belief that we can get there. In short, we need to communicate for change, not just awareness.
That’s what I think is at the heart of the work ahead. This is bigger than any one project, and it needs our continued support.
How you can stay involved
This chapter may be closing, but the mission continues. Here are some ways you can help:
Follow Full Fact’s Government Tracker: They are continuing the essential work of holding governments to account. Please support them and join their mailing list via their homepage.
Join the Democracy Network: To connect with others working in the democracy space, visit the Democracy Network. Someone’s bound to be doing something you’re interested in!
A heartfelt thank you
To every single person who used Vote for Policies, shared it, donated, volunteered, built the websites, and provided feedback along the way: thank you. You made this journey possible. Your energy and belief have made a real, measurable difference, demonstrating the importance and power of civic engagement. We were lucky enough to have independent research showing the impact: 35% of VfP users are more likely to vote. That means, because of your support, people have voted who otherwise wouldn’t have. People have made better-informed choices, felt more confident in voting, and rediscovered their sense of agency.
I’d also like to extend my personal thanks to Leon Prescod who, for the past 7 years, has been a true partner in the vision and mission for Vote for Policies. It was Leon’s expertise that single-handedly drove the analysis and writing for the Manifesto Tracker (#foreverproud!), and without him the last two election cycles simply wouldn't have been possible. Leon has been the unsung hero of Vote for Policies. Thank you Leon, for being a cherished companion, advisor and friend. It was an honour sharing this with you.
Looking ahead...
Letting go of long-standing projects is never easy. But I'm excited about exploring new approaches to civic engagement and supporting wherever I can.
If you'd like to stay connected, you can find me on LinkedIn or sign up for updates about my work with mission-driven organisations.
Thank you again for being a part of Vote for Policies. Please, keep pushing for a democracy that truly serves everyone. We need you more than ever.
A shame, but valid reasons. I wish it was mandatory to take their quiz before you vote!!