By Charlotte Morris
THE UK’S new cohort of young voters feel overwhelmingly unprepared for voting in what they see as a confused and complex political system, a new poll by the John Smith Centre at the University of Glasgow has revealed.
- Two thirds of 16- and 17-year-olds said schools had not readied them to take part in elections.
- Of those who say they are unlikely to use their vote; three quarters say it because they don’t know enough about politics.
- Asked to choose one word to sum up their views on politics in the UK, the most common responses given were “confusing”, “complicated” and “boring”.
The poll asked 500 16- and 17-year-olds across the UK a series of questions on democracy and voting. It comes after the Labour government announced earlier this summer that the franchise would be extended.
While 16- and 17-year-olds in Scotland and Wales already have the vote in local elections, the right will be extended across the UK in time for the next general election.
- 66% agreed that politics is biased in favour of old people and against the young. Only 17% disagreed.
- Despite claims that young people are veering towards support for “strong man” governments, the poll showed democracy is still supported when put up against the alternatives. Asked if democracy is better than other forms of government such as dictatorship, military rule, monarchy, or one-party rule, 59% agreed and only 11% disagreed – with 16–17-year-old males were more likely to do so than young females.
- 65% said it was either somewhat or very likely that they would be keen to use their vote if a general election was called soon.
- 60% agreed that once 16- and 17-year-olds have the vote, they have a duty to make use of it.
- But the group were by no means unanimous on whether they should indeed be given the vote: 48% agreed it was a good idea, but 32% said it wasn’t.
- However, as to how they would vote, young people are unclear: 31% said they did not know who to support. Labour was the most popular choice, on 16%, with Reform UK second on 11%, and the Greens third on 9%.
- 49% trust social media more for reliable information than traditional media. 41% disagreed.
“Our conclusion is that along with lowering the voting age there needs to be a strong and universal programme of citizenship education in schools and communities to go along with it. We need to fill the knowledge gap that exists around politics.”
“Young people are sending us a very clear message in this poll. If politicians want them to become active and engaged voters, then politicians need to take their voices seriously and listen to their concerns and do so in language that can be understood.”
Dr Elisabeth Loose, Research & Engagement Manager at the Centre, added: “We are heartened to see that the majority of 16-17-year-olds support democracy and are keen to use their vote once given the chance. With the right tools and support, we will hopefully see an energised and well-informed young generation participating in politics having their say.”
Chair of Trustees for the Association for Citizenship Teaching, Helen Blatchford, said: “This poll shows that while young people are eager to have a say, many don’t yet feel confident about politics or voting. Lowering the voting age is a welcome step, but it’s vital we match it with high-quality Citizenship and democracy education, so every young person understands their rights and feels ready to take part. Schools have a crucial role in building political and media literacy, giving pupils the skills to shape their future.”
The John Smith Centre exists to open doors to young people across the UK who are keen to engage in politics and public life. As part of its work, it conducts research into the attitudes towards politics of young people.
The Centre has recently begun a new schools project, taking politicians into campuses and giving 16–17-year-old students an insight into how politics gets done.