The EU referendum has led to a surge in young people registering to vote. Government data shows that after the deadline was extended for registering to vote young people (under 34) accounted for 56%, in comparison to 9% in the over 55 age group. Commenters believe the increase in young people voting will be a boost for the Remain campaign, as young people are more likely to vote to remain in the EU.
Young people continue to be told by critics they are apathetic or do not understand the relevance of politics in their daily lives. However, young people understand more than most that the government policies affect them because they are future entrepreneurs, innovators and tax payers. As they cannot afford the deposits to gain a foot on the housing ladder, they face more competition to get a job and wages remain stagnated or are growing at a slower rate.
It is true that more young people could register to vote and have a higher turnout, but to assume that they are apathetic and care little or cannot comprehend the political issues affecting their lives is an incorrect belief. Before the EU referendum, the efforts made by political parties to encourage young people to vote could have been improved. Some attempts were made such as publicity at university campuses. Even the present Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, criticized major parties during the general election for continuing to dismiss younger voters as older individuals are more likely to vote.
Young people will age and if they continue to not vote in elections because they believe they are not represented by elected officials, the government will only be elected by a tiny proportion of the population, therefore, change and different perspectives cannot occur.
Democracy is not simply about gaining power and supporting only the sections of the population who are likely to vote but also about helping and engaging citizens despite their political and ideological differences. The UK’s EU referendum: All you need to know
