As members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), we all share a commitment to strengthening our profession, improving patient care, and ensuring that nursing voices are heard at the highest levels. One of the most important ways we can influence the future of the RCN is by taking part in elections for the President and Council Representatives which open on 3rd August.  Voting is not just a right of membership, it is an opportunity to shape the direction of our organisation and ensure it truly represents the views and priorities of its members.

At the last election less than 3% of the membership voted, indicating a serious lack of participation. Some may think that a single vote cannot make a difference, but history repeatedly shows that elections can be decided by small margins. Collective engagement strengthens the mandate of elected representatives and demonstrates broader engagement.

As a predominantly female profession, it is crucial that we exercise our hard won right to vote. The RCN has historical links to the wider struggle for women's rights and representation that emerged during the women's suffrage movement of the nineteenth century.  At a time when women faced significant barriers to political participation and professional advancement, nursing became one of the few occupations where women could develop leadership skills, influence public policy, and advocate for social change. The campaign for women's suffrage and the professionalisation of nursing shared common goals: recognition, representation, and respect. 

The right to vote has been won through the courage, determination and sacrifice of generations of women and as a profession, we must honour their legacy and our feminist heritage by participating in this and every other election.

Ultimately, voting in RCN elections is about participation, empowerment, and professional responsibility. It is a chance for every member to contribute to the future direction of our college and ensure that nursing remains a respected, influential, and united profession. 

If you are reading this, you are likely to be an activist in the RCN. Let’s work together to increase the number of votes this year. If every active member talked to three colleagues and asked them to cast a vote, we could increase the mandate and energise engagement, not only just for this election but for organising and campaigning going forward.

Look out for your postal vote arriving soon, and remember: every voice and every vote counts!