Report: UK Election Turnout Lowest Since Universal Suffrage

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Facts

• According to the London-based Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), just 52% of British adults voted in the 2024 general election, the lowest turnout since universal suffrage began in 1928.¹
• The IPPR claimed that if non-voters were a political party, it would have received the largest support. The report found that turnout was 11% higher in constituencies with the top decile of over 64-year-olds compared to the lowest decile, and 7% lower in constituencies within the top decile of ethnic minorities compared to the lowest decile.²
• In continuation, the report also concluded that turnout was 13% higher in constituencies with the top decile of homeowners compared to the lowest decile, and 10% lower in constituencies within the top decile of Muslim voters compared to the lowest decile.³
• Voter turnout sat at just over 67% at the 2019 general election, having rebounded from a post-suffrage low of just over 59% in 2001.⁴
• Prior to the IPPR's study, estimates for this month's electoral turnout have been placed at approximately 60%, differing between 56% in Wales, 57% in Northern Ireland, 59% in Scotland, and 60% in England.⁵
• The Labour Party's winning manifesto pledged to 'increase the engagement of young people in [the UK's] vibrant democracy' by enfranchising 16 and 17-year-olds in all future elections.⁶

Sources: ¹Guardian, ²Express.co.uk, ³ippr.org.files.svdcdn.com, ⁴Full Fact, ⁵BBC News and ⁶labourlist.org.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by IPPR. Voter participation matters. If almost half of the adult population doesn't vote, then the other half will make decisions that benefit the already well-off. Political inequality goes hand-in-hand with economic inequality. Labour's promise to introduce election reforms would not only enhance transparency in political funding but also increase voter turnout.
• Narrative B, as provided by Middle East Eye. In the 2024 general election, the people voted for change. However, Labour's turn to the right alienated many anti-Conservative voters, who chose not to exercise their right to vote. When the traditional parties turn to the right, it leaves voters disillusioned. Without an alternative, voter turnout is bound to be low.
• Narrative C, as provided by Guardian. Lowering the voting age from 18 to 16 is an ill-advised idea. Simply put, it's unethical and premature to allow children to vote because they don't have the right to make informed decisions without their parent's permission. The proposal lands best with Labour's base and benefits the party more than the country.

Predictions