Connecting with Young Voters

Young peopleʹs turnout at general elections has been declining since the 1960s but the fall has become even more precipitous since 1992. There are multiple causes-geographic mobility, greater youth wealth and opportunity-but no evidence that it is a reflection of declining interest in politics by young people. They share the broader concerns of the population about health, education and immigration, and are particularly interested in issues that affect them at a local level. It is the traditional party model, run by ʹmiddleaged men in grey suitsʹ that they reject. Parties need to recognise the appeal of Big Brother styles of voting, where the link between vote and effect is obvious and immediate. Local referenda and internet voting offer two ways to engage young people, offering them easy and direct ways to effect political change.