Turnout at Elections

[Butts]

It never fails to amaze me the proportion of the Electorate who fail to exercise their democratic right to vote whenever given the opportunity.

I have cast a preference at very Election since I became eligible over thirty years ago. Lord knows how many trips to the polling station that has involved. However as I have a postal vote now I have no excuse.

Even if none of the candidates are deemed suitable the option exists to "spoil your ballot paper" as a form of protest. If enough people did this it would least draw the attention of the respective authorities to some electors feelings.

Is there a correlation between social class and voting as their seems to be with age ?

 

[NorthernSpirit]

In my view some people who are 50 and above are likely to vote Labour as they are, to them, seen as an alternative party. My generation would see UKIP as an alternative as the main three's policies are almost the same.

One key policy is on how they want to get Britain in the EU which is to me a dictatorship. The ammount of red tape there is to work in building is unbelieveable. Even the Police are armed to the teeth nowerdays too, I remember seeing one copper in the tradtional jumper and trousers with baton and radio back in 1998. Now 18 years later, its standard issue pepper spray, AK47 type firearm, ear piece, radio and bullet proof vest.

 

[Butts]

In my view some people who are 50 and above are likely to vote Labour as they are, to them, seen as an alternative party. My generation would see UKIP as an alternative as the main three's policies are almost the same.

One key policy is on how they want to get Britain in the EU which is to me a dictatorship. The ammount of red tape there is to work in building is unbelieveable. Even the Police are armed to the teeth nowerdays too, I remember seeing one copper in the tradtional jumper and trousers with baton and radio back in 1998. Now 18 years later, its standard issue pepper spray, AK47 type firearm, ear piece, radio and bullet proof vest.

Blimey do you live in Darlington hock:

 

[Morgsie]

I am a member of the Lib Dem's who is Pro-EU and a Politics Undergrad. Old people are more likely to vote Conservative and young people do not vote. Regarding Social Class, prior to 1979 Working Class=Labour Middle Class=Tories. Don't forget in Wales and Scotland there are the Nationalists

 

[Butts]

I am a member of the Lib Dem's who is Pro-EU and a Politics Undergrad. Old people are more likely to vote Conservative and young people do not vote. Regarding Social Class, prior to 1979 Working Class=Labour Middle Class=Tories. Don't forget in Wales and Scotland there are the Nationalists

Why do young people not Vote ? - I voted when I was young

 

[ainsworth74]

Now 18 years later, its standard issue pepper spray, AK47 type firearm, ear piece, radio and bullet proof vest.

In 2009 there were slightly under 7,000 officers authorised to carry fire arms in 2012 there were over 130,000 police officers in total (both figures relate to England and Wales). So unless you're attempting to claim that there are now an additional 100,000+ fire arms officers in service clearly this is factually inaccurate. Further I think you'll find those are stab vests not bullet proof vests.

I'm further not sure you can characterise Labour as the alternative party for the over-50s I know several over-50s who won't touch Labour with a barge pole.

Going back to the topic low turn out at elections has been a perennial issue and the main groups not voting appear to be younger people. But it would certainly be interesting to see some hard data looking at social class and likelihood to vote. I suspect there probably is a correlation between being poorer and not voting.

 

[Morgsie]

Why do young people not Vote ? - I voted when I was young

That is what the statistics show and there are many reasons why. Lack of political education is one reason.. Another reason which is more current, Nick Clegg Sell Out (Nick Clegg making a big deal to axe university tuition fees)

 

[ainsworth74]

Apathy, feeling that they won't change anything even if they do vote. I suspect that Obama may have done significant damage to the prospects of young people voting in future elections in the US for the simple reason that he rallied them behind a banner of change and not much in the event changed! Therefore why bother voting?

Not saying I agree with it, personally I think it's shocking that people don't vote especially as it's not exactly difficult to get yourself to a polling station (or just get a postal vote).

 

[Butts]

In 2009 there were slightly under 7,000 officers authorised to carry fire arms in 2012 there were over 130,000 police officers in total (both figures relate to England and Wales). So unless you're attempting to claim that there are now an additional 100,000+ fire arms officers in service clearly this is factually inaccurate. Further I think you'll find those are stab vests not bullet proof vests.

I'm further not sure you can characterise Labour as the alternative party for the over-50s I know several over-50s who won't touch Labour with a barge pole.

Going back to the topic low turn out at elections has been a perennial issue and the main groups not voting appear to be younger people. But it would certainly be interesting to see some hard data looking at social class and likelihood to vote. I suspect there probably is a correlation between being poorer and not voting.

If young people can't be bothered to vote (which let's face it is hardly difficult) should this result in other voters being less sympathetic to their plight.

 

[ainsworth74]

I think it would be more productive to look at why they aren't voting rather than say 'oh they can't be bothered lets ignore them and their issues'. Especially considering they'll be paying for those older peoples care when it's needed

 

[Butts]

That is what the statistics show and there are many reasons why. Lack of political education is one reason.. Another reason which is more current, Nick Clegg Sell Out (Nick Clegg making a big deal to axe university tuition fees)

What absolute drivel, I am not an LD Voter but how many times is this misnomer to be rolled out.

Coalition is all about compromise , considering the LD's had a drop in their representation at the last election, to end up in government is no mean achievement.

 

[yorksrob]

Perhaps it's more a vote for "none of the above" rather than apathy.

 

[Morgsie]

What absolute drivel, I am not an LD Voter but how many times is this misnomer to be rolled out.

Coalition is all about compromise , considering the LD's had a drop in their representation at the last election, to end up in government is no mean achievement.

Young people that voted LD in 2010 felt betrayed. I do know about your second point.

 

[Butts]

Perhaps it's more a vote for "none of the above" rather than apathy.

In that case, as I mentioned earlier, spoil your ballot paper.

 

[ainsworth74]

I consider myself young and do not feel betrayed despite being a LD voter last time out. Indeed unless one of the other parties around here puts up someone better I'm likely to vote LD again!

 

[Butts]

Young people that voted LD in 2010 felt betrayed. I do know about your second point.

So the young people who voted LD did so in the expectation they would form a majority government which is the only way they could have abolished tuition fees.

Someone needs a reality check here - or am I missing something :roll:

 

[MidnightFlyer]

There are also some of us who don't conform to any of the three or four main political party's ideologies, or not fully; it's not just because we hate them all.

Whilst I will never vote for LibLabCon, I also don't see the point in spoiling papers either. It's just a waste of your own time, and the counter's too. I'd much rather just stay at home and hope one of these days someone will realise the cause of low turnouts, or organise a more effective, visible form of protest.

 

[Butts]

There are also some of us who don't conform to any of the three or four main political party's ideologies, or not fully; it's not just because we hate them all.

Whilst I will never vote for LibLabCon, I also don't see the point in spoiling papers either. It's just a waste of your own time, and the counter's too. I'd much rather just stay at home and hope one of these days someone will realise the cause of low turnouts, or organise a more effective, visible form of protest.

What could be more visible than 30% of the Ballot Papers being spoilt ? - David Dimbelby and co would have apoplexy

 

[ainsworth74]

Personally I'd add a 'Non of the above' box to the ballot papers.

 

[Butts]

Personally I'd add a 'Non of the above' box to the ballot papers.

Perhaps "pass" would be more appropriate

 

[ainsworth74]

Well whatever you want to call it I'd still have one

 

[MidnightFlyer]

What could be more visible than 30% of the Ballot Papers being spoilt ? - David Dimbelby and co would have apoplexy

They're just figures on a piece of paper though. I was talking about real, actual, physical activity. (and I don't mean violence!)

 

[Robinson]

The harsh reality is that the 3 main political parties in England are now pretty much identikit. It's been that way since Tony Blair, a Tory, donned a red tie and, instead of undoing the damage done by Thatcher, intensified it instead with further financial sector deregulation, further dodgy outsourcing, further opening of tax-dodging loopholes etc. Since then, debates between the 3 main party leaders have never been about actual ideology, but merely attacks on each other's competence at implementing the same ideologies.

The Scottish independence referendum has opened up the debate considerably north of the border. I hope that the discussions that are taking place up here will go some way to restoring political plurality in these parts. Being even more optimistic, hopefully a Yes vote in Scotland will lead to a fresh demand for social democracy in England to counter the trend towards the extreme right, led by UKIP.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

There are also some of us who don't conform to any of the three or four main political party's ideologies, or not fully; it's not just because we hate them all.

Whilst I will never vote for LibLabCon, I also don't see the point in spoiling papers either. It's just a waste of your own time, and the counter's too. I'd much rather just stay at home and hope one of these days someone will realise the cause of low turnouts, or organise a more effective, visible form of protest.

Low turnouts have been happening for decades; it has only resulted in evil people gaining power. (Thatcher's average electoral mandate was 31.96%; David Cameron currently has a mandate of just 23.47%. To put this into perspective, the runner-up in the Venezuelan elections of 2012, Henrique Caprillas, picked up 35.65% of the eligible vote.)

 

[Butts]

The harsh reality is that the 3 main political parties in England are now pretty much identikit. It's been that way since Tony Blair, a Tory, donned a red tie and, instead of undoing the damage done by Thatcher, intensified it instead with further financial sector deregulation, further dodgy outsourcing, further opening of tax-dodging loopholes etc. Since then, debates between the 3 main party leaders have never been about actual ideology, but merely attacks on each other's competence at implementing the same ideologies.

The Scottish independence referendum has opened up the debate considerably north of the border. I hope that the discussions that are taking place up here will go some way to restoring political plurality in these parts. Being even more optimistic, hopefully a Yes vote in Scotland will lead to a fresh demand for social democracy in England to counter the trend towards the extreme right, led by UKIP.

I shall be voting yes in the referendum but hoping for an overall no vote which I fully expect to be the outcome.

The voting system for the Scottish Parliament Elections certainly produces a more representative result. As the only Conservative Voter in Falkirk my vote at least goes towards the "list" representation.

 

[balne-wonderer]

The harsh reality is that the 3 main political parties in England are now pretty much identikit. It's been that way since Tony Blair, a Tory, donned a red tie and, instead of undoing the damage done by Thatcher, intensified it instead with further financial sector deregulation, further dodgy outsourcing, further opening of tax-dodging loopholes etc. Since then, debates between the 3 main party leaders have never been about actual ideology, but merely attacks on each other's competence at implementing the same ideologies.

The Scottish independence referendum has opened up the debate considerably north of the border. I hope that the discussions that are taking place up here will go some way to restoring political plurality in these parts. Being even more optimistic, hopefully a Yes vote in Scotland will lead to a fresh demand for social democracy in England to counter the trend towards the extreme right, led by UKIP.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Low turnouts have been happening for decades; it has only resulted in evil people gaining power. (Thatcher's average electoral mandate was 31.96%; David Cameron currently has a mandate of just 23.47%. To put this into perspective, the runner-up in the Venezuelan elections of 2012, Henrique Caprillas, picked up 35.65% of the eligible vote.)

UKIP are certainly not 'extreme right'. The BNF, BDP and BNP (to an extent) are extreme right.

General Election turn outs are low, turn outs for local elections are minimal
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I shall be voting yes in the referendum but hoping for an overall no vote which I fully expect to be the outcome.

The voting system for the Scottish Parliament Elections certainly produces a more representative result. As the only Conservative Voter in Falkirk my vote at least goes towards the "list" representation.

If it is a No vote, which I expect it will be. Where does that leave Salmond and Sturgeon? They would lose all their credibility over night.

 

[Butts]

The harsh reality is that the 3 main political parties in England are now pretty much identikit. It's been that way since Tony Blair, a Tory, donned a red tie and, instead of undoing the damage done by Thatcher, intensified it instead with further financial sector deregulation, further dodgy outsourcing, further opening of tax-dodging loopholes etc. Since then, debates between the 3 main party leaders have never been about actual ideology, but merely attacks on each other's competence at implementing the same ideologies.

The Scottish independence referendum has opened up the debate considerably north of the border. I hope that the discussions that are taking place up here will go some way to restoring political plurality in these parts. Being even more optimistic, hopefully a Yes vote in Scotland will lead to a fresh demand for social democracy in England to counter the trend towards the extreme right, led by UKIP.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Low turnouts have been happening for decades; it has only resulted in evil people gaining power. (Thatcher's average electoral mandate was 31.96%; David Cameron currently has a mandate of just 23.47%. To put this into perspective, the runner-up in the Venezuelan elections of 2012, Henrique Caprillas, picked up 35.65% of the eligible vote.)

Indeed but the result was decided before the election took place

 

[MidnightFlyer]

The Scottish independence referendum has opened up the debate considerably north of the border. I hope that the discussions that are taking place up here will go some way to restoring political plurality in these parts. Being even more optimistic, hopefully a Yes vote in Scotland will lead to a fresh demand for social democracy in England to counter the trend towards the extreme right, led by UKIP.

Glad someone's eventually found something good to come out of Scottish independence, I've seen nothing in years to convince me it will be anything other than horrendous. (For Scots at least)

I too am intrigued by your UKIP 'extreme right' claim. Right wing certainly; but they aren't anywhere near extreme right, not by a long chalk.

 

[ainsworth74]

Low turnouts have been happening for decades; it has only resulted in evil people gaining power. (Thatcher's average electoral mandate was 31.96%; David Cameron currently has a mandate of just 23.47%. To put this into perspective, the runner-up in the Venezuelan elections of 2012, Henrique Caprillas, picked up 35.65% of the eligible vote.)

I'm not sure how you're calculating Thatcher's mandate but in terms of the popular vote it was closer to 43% and if you're going for over 50% then you have to go back to the 1931 election so are you trying to say that every government since then (and most before for that matter) have been evil?

 

[Butts]

Glad someone's eventually found something good to come out of Scottish independence, I've seen nothing in years to convince me it will be anything other than horrendous. (For Scots at least)

I too am intrigued by your UKIP 'extreme right' claim. Right wing certainly; but they aren't anywhere near extreme right, not by a long chalk.

Agree, their smoking policy in particular is very liberal and meets with my approval

 

[yorksrob]

In that case, as I mentioned earlier, spoil your ballot paper.

Well, that's what I would be tempted to do (at least in the absence of a candidate for Screaming Lord Sutch's outfit) however, maybe the young'uns do it differently !