Why Young Brits Should Be More Politically Involved
Britain’s youth care about democracy — but many aren’t showing it where it counts. Studies show that while a majority of young people believe politics affects their everyday lives and want to learn more about it , this interest doesn’t always translate into involvement in the political process. Low Voter Turnout One of the clearest signs of disengagement is turnout: 📊 In the 2024 UK general election , only around 37% of 18‑24‑year‑olds voted — significantly lower than older age groups, where turnout was much higher (e.g., around 73% for those aged 65 and over). This “youth turnout gap” isn’t new. Historical data also show that turnout among young people has declined over decades. Engagement vs. Confidence Young people in the UK say they want to be involved — roughly two‑thirds feel engaged with politics in some way — but that doesn’t always mean they vote or interact with formal institutions. Many are more active in onl...