voting influence

• • There has been partisan dealignment in the UK recently where voters have stopped identifying themselves with a particular party. Disillusion/apathy explain the loss of party appeal to voters. It means that voters have become disengaged in politics and lack confidence in politicians.
• • Traditionally social class influenced who citizens voted for, with working class people supporting the Labour Party and the middle classes voting for the Conservatives.
• • Class dealignment has taken place so, social class has less influence on voting. This can be explained by the increase in the size of the UK’s middle class, the decline in trade union power, the privatisation of industries and greater educational opportunities.
• • Governing competency is how voters perceive the ability of each party to run the country effectively. This can influence voting decisions.
  • The success of a government’s policy, including economic policy and strong leadership, affects how competent they appear to voters, whilst voters are also influenced by the potential governing competence of opposition parties.
  • In 1997 John Major’s lack of competency was a factor in Labour winning the election.
• • Traditionally older people support the Conservatives. This is thought to be because the Conservatives are most likely to protect the material interests of older people and because older people often vote less for major changes in society. But researchers are unsure of all of the reasons why older people tend to vote conservative.
• In 2017 Labour had 47% more support from voters aged 18-19 than Conservatives.

  • Young people are less likely to vote than older people.
  • In 2017 84% of people over 70 voted but only 57% of people aged 18-19 voted.
• • Geographical region and where people live is an important influence on voting decisions.
  • Voters in poorer areas of the country, such as the north of England and Wales, are more likely to support Labour.
  • Voters in wealthier areas such as the south of England, except London, and rural areas more often support the Conservatives.
• • Ethnic minorities are more likely to support Labour because Labour policies are often stronger in promoting a multi-cultural agenda.
  • In 2017 65% of ethnic minorities supported Labour.
• • Traditionally women were more likely to support the Conservatives than men because of the Conservatives' emphasis on the family, which was thought to be an important factor for women when choosing how to vote.
  • More recently gender has been less significant in influencing voters.
  • New Labour was supported by many women.