Research and Information

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Age differences in turnout were evident in th last election. In general people who were under 34 were less likely than those in older age groups. This voting behaviour may be linked to young people's attitiudes.

In 1998 the British Social Attitudes Survey, that a third of those ages 18 to 24 said everyone had an obligation to vote,compared with four-fifths of the 65 and over age group.

According to the Young People's Social Attitiudes Survey, political interest among young people was low in 1994 and even lower in 1998 when only one in three teenagers aged 12 to 19 years old expressed an interest in politics.

Although interest in politics has also decreased among adults,they reported more interest in politics than their younger counterparts. However, people in education were more likely to be interested in politics.

Teenagers were also less likely than older adults to have an attachment to a particular poltical party.

This attachment was crucially influenced by the political affiliation of their parents.

Title: Voting turnout: by age and gender:Social trends 32 Organisation (Sponser): Office for National Statistics

Most recent year to which contents relate: 2001

ONS/GSS reference number: ST321320

The above research teaches us to there is apathy amongst youth as it relates to voting in general elections and politics in general. Steps are clearly needed to remedy this situation. These could be introducing politics as a mandatory subject from Year 7, a fairer voting system such as Proportional Representation and a more honest poltical climate.

Frequent visits to schools should be made by the politcally active and aware as a means of inspiring the young to enage in politics and vote.