by Fraser Dahdouh

IT’S no secret that young people are much less likely to vote than older people, in fact an 18-25 year old is almost half as likely to vote as one in the over 65 group.

This of course, means younger people will see less reflection of their priorities within the policies of politicians across the board. For example, the referendum on EU membership saw the highest youth turnout for two decades, still a measly 64 per cent (for context, the ONS suggest that if 73 per cent of young people had voted remain would have had a majority).

Compare this to the 90 per cent seen amongst voters aged 65 and over, we begin to see why it’s very rare a party would propose cuts to pensions, as opposed to policy that effects young people like tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and zero hours contracts.

Having established that turnout amongst younger voters is very low, it is also important to understand why it is a problem. For if younger generations lose faith and confidence that the established political system works for/is relevant to them, by nature, they will seek other means of political participation.

This of course includes the protests seen after the hike in tuition fees from £3,000 to £9,000, as well as the other distaste expressed after the result of the referendum and across the USA after the election of Trump. Political disenfranchisement is a serious problem as what often start as peaceful protests can often turn sour, especially when given a catalyst such as a police shooting. I’m sure I don’t need to give specific examples here.

So, how do we begin to address the problem? Well of the Australian system is one option where you must turn out to the poll station on the day (and if you don’t not want to vote for anyone, you may spoil your ballot), failure to comply results in a hefty fine. This is not an unattractive option, but to many it has a knell of authoritarianism to it.

There is indeed a much more simple option, one that doesn’t require electoral reform and may in fact improve the general political ecology. What is this magical solution? Well, there is a dire need to enthuse the younger generation and motivate a greater degree of political involvement. This is something that can and should be carried out on a local level, all around the country.

Stroud - having the privilege of a high degree of political engagement - both historically and in contemporary times – means we have seen some initiatives ahead of the would-be curve.

The current election cycle has seen initiatives from local businesses offering free beer to those who register to vote to hustings being hosted with the aim being on attracting younger voters, along with the general talkative climate of our town, which gives ample opportunity to all who are interested in politics (to the extent that it’s quite hard to avoid).

This is the atmosphere in which democracy thrives, where everyone can have their voice heard and everyone can be challenged coming much closer to a mutual refutation than afforded to us with the likes of social media.

That’s said, social media- whilst perhaps not being the best environment for productive debate, allows for the free exchange of ideas and ideals, an atmosphere which has exploded since the referendum last year allowing for a better understanding on certain issues amongst voters.

We for the time being, continue and extend the current initiatives we employ in the town centre and the valleys, and look to export the values in practise as they are fundamentally good ones for any democracy.

As for the turnout, we will have to see the figures after the election this June, if they fall below the 64 per cent of the referendum; more work will have to be done away from elections to sustain political involvement and participation.