Young People and Voting: The Love/Hate Relationship
The relationship between young people and voting is an unpredictable one, to say the least. Although the number of voters aged 18–34 have risen, they still have the lowest turnout. This spells trouble for the politically ‘woke’ and socially aware younger public. If we are meant to care so much about institutional change, then why aren’t we voting?
Sir John Curtice is a polling expert who has written for the Independent, the BBC, and featured on Newsnight and multiple election commentaries, whilst successfully predicting the last three general election. He claims there are two reasons as to why young people don’t vote: motivation and circumstance. On motivation, he said: ‘There is plenty of research out there that suggests interest in politics and developing a sense of loyalty to political parties, isn’t something that magically arrives at the age of 18.’ This motivation instead develops during ‘early adulthood’.
The second reason as to why young people don’t vote, however, is circumstantial. Curtice explained how young people are more likely to be living in circumstances associated with not voting. For instance, Curtice noted that people under 35 are more likely to be living in ‘rented, multi-occupied accommodation’, they may be in a ‘less secure position’ in the job market, and have a higher tendency to be ‘geographically mobile’ due to higher education. These circumstances all contribute to a lower level of voter registration amongst young people.
The 2019 general election saw the highest voter turnout amongst young people in recent years. However, voter turnout amongst 18–24 year-olds was only at 47%. At least 50% were still undecided, unaware, or disinterested. The consensus now is the younger you are, the more likely you are to vote Labour. Age will play the biggest role in voting divisions at the next general election. But, in a high pressured and incredibly polarised political climate, will voter turnout amongst the young rise more than ever?
Curtice tells us not to expect anything completely out of the ordinary, predicting voter turnout will increase, but not dramatically. However, he did note that ‘it’s easier to get on to the electoral register and people can register at any time’. Given that people face a fine if not registered to vote, there will always be a large difference between registration and actual votes counted.
So then, what needs to be done to encourage young people to vote?
The biggest problem politicians face today, according to Curtice, is that ‘we don’t believe you’. Political scandals such as Partygate, ‘which isn’t going away’, has discouraged people to vote entirely. But, politicians must also provide policies that address young peoples’ concerns, including the environment, ‘healthcare and education, and then see them through, in order to gain their favour.
A Politicians POV
Conservative MP for Waveney in Suffolk, Peter Alduous, also discussed the turbulent relationship between young people and voting. As to why they aren’t voting, Alduous blamed a lack of engagement between the government and young people. He said: ‘politicians are seen as rather distant people, in our own bubbles, pursuing our own agendas which are completely alien and different to what young people are, their aspirations and the issues they want to see addressed.’
Alduous also suggested a lack of ‘habit’ may be to blame. A general election may only happen every five years, and by the time 2025 comes around, the UK public will have seen four general elections in ten years. But, some people may be 23 by the time they are legally allowed to vote for the first time. He said: ‘If you don’t get into the habit of voting at all elections at an early stage, then it’s very difficult to get into the habit later on in life’.
As a result, the MP suggested making sure ‘the curriculum and education system is functioning properly’. With young people providing a variety of answers when it came to the extent of education they received on modern politics, it is crucial that all schools teach young people about the choices available, and what they each stand for.
Furthermore, social media can be a vital tool to ensure an MP’s success with the younger public. According to Alduous, it can be seen as a ‘two-edged sword’, but it will play an essential role in engaging with young people. Traditional forms of political engagement, such as newspapers or TV, which were once popular ways to access information, are now entirely outdated and most young people today will never have picked up a paper. So, engaging with social media, and staying up to date with the current trends, may help encourage young people to take to the polls.
Both experts and politicians cannot be entirely certain what to expect at the next election.
In 2019, young voters were told they could swing the entire election one way. This may prove to be true again, but only time will tell whether young people will take to the polls next time.
