Fraser Dahdouh grew up in Stroud and has a place to study economics, politics and international relations at Oxford Brookes in September

IT’S no secret that the young are less likely to vote than older folk; an 18-25-year-old is almost half as likely to vote as an over-65.

This means younger people will see less reflection of their priorities within the policies of politicians across the board.

The referendum on EU membership saw the highest youth turnout for two decades, a mere 64 per cent.

Compared to the 90 per cent seen amongst voters aged 65 and over, we can see why it’s rare a party would propose pension cuts, as opposed to policy that effects young people like tuition fees and zero hours contracts.

If younger folk lose faith and confidence that the system works for them they will seek other means of political participation.

This includes protests after the tuition fee hike and the distaste after the EU referendum.

The Australian system is one option where you must turn up to your poll station, with fines for no-shows which is an attractive option, but to many it has a knell of authoritarianism to it.

There is a dire need to enthuse the younger generation and motivate a greater degree of political involvement, which 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 – historically and today – means we have seen some initiatives ahead of the curve.

The town’s talkative climate gives the opportunity to all who are politically inclined.

We must continue and extend the current initiatives employed in Stroud, and look to export the values in practice as they are essential for any democracy.

If turnout falls below the 64 per cent of the referendum; more work will have to be done away from elections to sustain political participation.