The data on young people and general elections is stark: in the 2019 general election, just 47% of 18 to 24-year-olds turned out to vote, the lowest of any age group.
More recent research seems to suggest why: a report published in 2022 by the UK parliament found that 60% of 18 to 25-year-olds think politicians “don’t care”, and in 2023, the British Youth Council found that 71% of young people don’t feel that political parties speak directly to them in the lead-up to elections.
It’s absolutely critical then, that ahead of mayoral elections in May, and a general election expected later in the year, our young people are encouraged to register to vote and to exercise their democratic rights.
Educating students about democracy and politics is an essential aspect of the work of colleges, and they will want to provide their students with the best possible information and support to ensure that they can engage fully with the political process.
