Turnout

• Turnout statistics

  • 1983 election saw 73% turnout.
  • 2001 election saw 59% turnout.
  • 2017 election saw 69% turnout.
• Why does turnout vary?

  • How 'close' the election seems; if voters believe the election is close, they believe their vote will matter and so are more likely to vote - this was seen in the 79% turnout at the February 1974 election between Harold Wilson and Edward Heath.
  • If elections are 'foregone' conclusions; voters assumed Labour would win in 2001 due to 'hapathy' so were less likely to vote.
  • Importance of an election's outcome.
• Why is turnout declining?

  • Widespread disillusionment among the young; increased tuition fees made young voters feel helpless about politics.
  • The young have alternative ways of political participation; e-petitions, direct action, and social media campaigns.
  • Younger voters more interested in single-issue campaigns.
• Is turnout increasing again?

  • Since 2014; Labour, Liberal Democrats, and Greens have reported a rise in youth membership.
  • Estimated that 75% of Scottish 16-17 year olds voted in the 2014 Independence Referendum.
  • In 2017, 54% of 18-24 year olds voted - perhaps due to energy created by Labour.
• Impact of age on voter turnout

  • Younger voters are more reluctant to vote.
  • In 2005, only 37% of 18-24 year olds actually voted compared with over 70% of the oldest age groups.
  • However, in 2017; Labour's vote share rose by 10% due to an increase in young voters.
• Impact of class on turnout

  • Members of AB social class are much more likely to vote than members of DE social class.
  • In 2015 - 75% of AB voters voted compared with 57% of DE voters.