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.