The serious case of voter apathy plagues the UK political system
Voter apathy is rife within the UK ’ s political system but why and what can be done to combat the situation ?
By Matthew Clifton
Voter turnout has been dire in the last 30 years or so , with it briefly rising above 70 % in 1997 , that saw Labour voted in under Tony Blair . But decades of limited innovation are largely similar policies has seen a rise in voter apathy . In the 2015 general election , 66.1 % turned up to vote with the Conservatives gaining 36.9 % of the votes to win . 34.9 % of voters didn ’ t vote , meaning they would have a larger majority than the official opposition , Labour , in Westminster .
Voter apathy is a real issue and this needs to be addressed sooner . The system is disproportionate and promotes a two-party election even though there are multiple political parties . Many people feel disillusioned by politics because they feel , those elected don ’ t really speak for them . However , these are not the only reason why only 66 % of people turned out at the last general election and the last four general elections has had 59.4 , 61.4 , 65.1 , 66.1 per cent respectively .
The last time voter turnout hit 70 % or above was in 1997 . Although voters have been on the rise we have still seen a massive drop in people who want to vote , let alone those who want to get involved . Not only has the turnout dropped , as previously stated the percentage of people who voted for the Conservatives was 36.9 %, along with the no votes this also highlights that 63.1 % of voters didn ’ t want a Tory government .
The more you talk and listen to everyone ’ s problems you begin to understand that there is a lot of fear for their futures and their children ’ s future , people feel abandoned by Westminster because of lies and spin from the government for the last 7 years but feel powerless when they vote . The 33.9 % of people who chose not to vote often say “ what good is my vote going to do ?” and for a large proportion they are correct , you also read and see on TV how those who run the country act in parliament by making loud boisterous noises and heckling each other , reminiscent of a public-school environment .
Politicians , commentators and media outlets largely do a disservice to politics by using jargon and fear to ensure it remains an elitist environment . Of course , you must be knowledgeable to become a real success however , how individuals are educated through the system needs a drastic overhaul . There is more than just raw facts and figures , furthering your understanding on society , economics , health , education and the affects policy will have on the very people MPs are meant to be representing , ordinary citizens who work long hours to survive .
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Issue # 2 , 22 nd April
Most people aren ’ t interested in an active political role or their skills are better suited to something else , or perhaps they are just after a quiet and simple life . That is why society relies on the correct information from those elected officials and the media alike . When sleight of hand and deception infect the system , it becomes untrustworthy to the citizens but this deception and sleight of hand can be used as a controlling method to keep society from uniting against the few who are working to corrupt the system in their favour .
The political shouting match between ideals only serves to create a vacuum of disillusionment amongst the general population , which means many voices go unheard and those who do vote mostly don ’ t get heard . Reform is desperately needed and our tired old political system needs stimulation from something different . Real change and real investment into the UK ’ s infrastructure , education and a clear plan for innovation to keep the UK as a global pioneer . Change will only occur if you vote , register to vote using the link below if you haven ’ t already . Don ’ t make excuses , get out and vote , especially younger people , it is your future that you are voting for .