A visit to Manchester’s Pankhurst Centre ahead of the upcoming general election could provide the perfect inspiration to ensure election fever doesn’t turn into election apathy. The sacrifices that were made, the time it took to achieve the vote and the hostility that was faced are all part of the story that is told at the nation’s only museum dedicated to women’s suffrage, which is urging people to use their vote on 4 July.

When Britain goes to the polls on 4 July it will be almost a century since legistlation was passed (2 July 1928) that for the first time gave all women equal voting rights (Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928). The Pankhurst family played an instrumental role in leading the call for change, much of which happened from their family home, now a Grade II* listed small museum. The individual stories behind the historical icons are shared, as well as the opportunity to stand in the parlour where in 1903 Emmeline Pankhurst would first declare “Deeds not words” to a small group of women who would go on to be known as the suffragettes.

Emma McBeath, Heritage Manager at the Pankhurst Centre says, “A general election really brings home the stories of those that campaigned for the right to representation. It’s a history that is rooted in our city – from Peterloo to the Pankhursts – Manchester has always led the call for change and equality and continues to do so. Over the weeks ahead we hope the legacy of the suffragettes will inspire people who visit the museum to use their vote in the upcoming general election.”

Turnout at the last general election, held in 2019, was 67.3% across the UK and compares to a figure of 83.9% in 1950, which is the highest turnout recorded at a UK general election over the last 100 years. The Pankhurst Centre is hoping that the history it embodies will encourage more people to use their vote in 2024 than ever before. It is also raising awareness of vital voting information, so that people don’t miss out on the chance to exercise their right to vote.

Vital voting information ahead of the general election on 4 July 2024:

The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday 18 June (11.59pm). You can register to vote in England here.

You can find your nearest polling station and about the candidates in your area here.

Photo ID is required when you vote. There is a list of accepted forms of ID and information on how you apply for free voter ID here. The deadline to apply for free voter ID is Wednesday 26 June (5pm).

You can register for a postal vote by Wednesday 19 June (5pm). You can apply here.

You can visit the Pankhurst Centre every Thursday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm, with tickets bookable in advance here. Entry is free, with visitors asked to consider making a donation of £5 to support the work of the Pankhurst Trust. For further information visit pankhurstmuseum.com