Swindon Council to try and increase youth voting rate

Author: Aled ThomasPublished 21st Jan 2023

Young adults and those approaching their 18th birthday will be encouraged to vote and participate more in the democratic process after borough councillors voted unanimously to try and increase turn-out among younger voters.

The cross-party motion was introduced by Labour’s Will Stone and seconded by Conservative Sudha Nukana, and it asks the cabinet member for education Oladapo Ibitoye to consider further options, including but not limited to working with Headteachers, to raise awareness amongst young people of the democratic process.

Coun Stone said if he met someone aged 18 to 24 while canvassing, he always asked if they voted and if not, why not, and added: “The resounding response was, ” I don’t understand politics.”

“This is our failure. As councillors, we should be looking to educate and inspire future generations to come out and vote.”

Coun Nukana pointed out young people were often very engaged by political issues: “Black Lives Matter, violence against women and girls, school strikes. What disillusions them is not politics but the political system. They need to understand how that is relevant to their generation.”

Councillor Ibitoye said he would be pleased to take on the matter and the motion was passed unanimously.

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