One of the most innovative features of the Scottish independence referendum was that 16 and 17 year-olds were allowed to vote. Many pre-ballot commentators assumed that they would lean towards voting in favour of independence. But did they in reality? David Kingman investigates
Category: Voting Age
Action for Youth: Interview with IARS
In her ongoing series of interviews with activists for young people, Lewisham youth worker Melissa Jane Knight talks to Ayesha Carmouche (pictured right), Campaigns Co-ordinator and Communications Officer for Independent Academic Research Studies (IARS)
New research reveals society’s misconceptions about young people
David Kingman reports on some new research which shows how, despite negative perceptions about them, today’s young people are extremely socially-engaged
ONS figures show politicians are failing to appeal to young people
David Kingman reports on some new data from the Office for National Statistics which show how the political process has become a big turn-off for young people
National Voter Registration Day: getting the youth vote out
A Bite the Ballot campaign, set up by school teacher Mike Sani, is doing all it can to help young adults find their voice. “If you aren’t on the register, you are invisible,” they claim in an attempt to prepare people for National Voter Registration Day on 5 February. Nineteen-year-old registered voter Hope Barker reports.
Power of the Youth Vote: Interview with Kenny Imafidon
Kenny Imafidon, 20, is an advisor on youth policy as well as a Trustee of the British Youth Council, which represents over 7 million young people across the UK under 25. Lewisham youth worker Melissa Jane Knight interviewed him on behalf of IF to sound out his views on the importance of voting and lowering… Read more »
Electronic voting: the way forward for younger generations?
John Bercow’s speech to the Hansard Society on 27 November about a digital democracy has led to much discussion as to whether this could improve the turnout of younger voters. The Speaker wishes to bridge the gap between MPs and the increasingly digital society they represent. Hope Barker reports.
Should we consider introducing Proportional Representation to reverse youth voter apathy?
Jonathan Hughes, IF Volunteer and Policy Researcher, considers the effect the introduction of Proportional Representation would have on youth voter apathy
Should young people be forced to vote?
David Kingman reflects on the recent proposal from the Institute for Public Policy Research that young people should be forced to vote by law at the first election for which they are eligible
New research suggests young Britons are more liberal than any previous generation
David Kingman examines the evidence that young Britons have become exceptionally liberal