|
The low turnout of 59% in the 2001 General Election and recent Local Elections has made examining the causes of falling turnout a hot topic for discussion. The group that has traditionally had the lowest turnout and the one that has sparked great interest has been among 18-24 year olds. Studies have suggested that this age group are not interested in politics and feel that no one is listening to them, despite many of them having an interest in a wide range of issues. It is for this reason that I have launched Southampton's first Annual Voter Awareness Week, which will kick off our Pump Up the Vote campaign. The purpose of the week is to find out what young people think about politics, whether it's something that gets them worked up or if they consider it a major turn-off. It's important for politicians to listen to what they have to say and encourage them to play an active role in the democratic process and their local communities. The week will consist of various activities aimed at 18-24 year olds in which we will be encouraging them to complete a voter survey and to visit a new section on my website, where they can comment to me on the issues which affect them the most. We will then have some idea of what young voters in Southampton think of the politics and how things can be improved to make it more responsive to their lifestyles and the issues that matter the most to them. Political participation is a dual responsibility and is dependent upon an increased awareness by the voter and the politician.
|
| What
do you think about this - email
me and let me know page updated
24-May-2004
|