Evidence against a participation crisis

• Increasing turnout

  It has been steadily increasing since its historic low in 2001 of 59%, reaching 69% in 2017

  Turnout has been notably higher in referendums (Brexit and Scottish Independence) meaning people vote in matters that they deem to be more important or ones they care about more

  Turnout has been generally lower than the historic average of around 75% but the population is greater meaning that more people are voting but this is still a lower percentage
• More political parties

  People feel more represented

  10 parties in Parliament after the 2019 general election

  People are willing to join political parties - sharp rise in Labour membership reaching 485,000 after they introduced the £3 membership fee
• Pressure group membership and e-petitions

  People are beginning to favour alternative participation methods rather than traditional voting as they feel more represented than by any single party
• Social campaigns

  Slacktivism - people are willing to participate especially online but many lack the resources or time to do so in person so social media is used to raise awareness which is much lower in quality as it prompts less action