Do you think that young people may be less likely to vote in local elections if they see the white male dominated local councils?  

I think you people will be more likely to vote if they see their interests being addressed by candidates. If young people don’t get out and vote, it is more likely we will end up with the scenario in the article I sent. We know those who stand for local elections tend to be older. In many respects, when it comes to politics “the oldies rule”, and unless young people get out to vote nothing will change. 

Why do you think young adults tend to not vote in these elections?  

The narrative that young people are not interested in politics is not supported by research. Younger people may be less likely to vote, but many are clearly interested in political issues. Studies into the political behaviour of young people show that many are involved in politics in non-traditional ways, other than voting, like boycotts, petitions, protests, volunteering, and involvement in advocacy groups or charities. 

Do you think young adults are educated enough on the local council elections?  

The narrative that young people are not interested in politics is not supported by research. Younger people may be less likely to vote, but many are clearly interested in political issues. Studies into the political behaviour of young people show that many are involved in politics in non-traditional ways, other than voting, like boycotts, petitions, protests, volunteering, and involvement in advocacy groups or charities. 

How can young adults help their community? 

One thing we can do is avoid referring to council elections as “pointless bore-fests”. They’re not pointless. They profoundly affect local policy decisions and shape our communities, and they’re much less of a boor-fest with younger people being involved.   

Do you think the local council demographics would change if more young adults started voting? 

Yes. Young people are unlikely to see their issues discussed around the council table if they don’t vote. If it is only older people who fill out their electoral forms and post them back, it will be their interests that shape the future of the city. 

Do you think more young adults would vote if they were better educated on the local elections? 

Yes. I think students who study politics are more likely to be aware of how politics shapes our lives, and that elections are important. In local elections, voting is one way of speaking up about the type of community we want to be.