In the EU referendum 64% of registered voters aged 18-24 cast their ballot. Higher education institutions should be utilising this demographic and ensuring young people have their say.
Why aren’t universities enthusing their pupils to vote? Why aren’t teachers using their position of authority to influence young people to understand their potential power? And lastly, why aren’t universities explaining the implications of the upcoming election to their students?
This general election marks the third national vote for the UK in just two years. David Cameron has been replaced. Brexit has commenced. And now, Theresa May needs a strong majority to strengthen her negotiating power in Brussels. Well, allegedly. If you believe her.
Nevertheless, whether its “strong and stable leadership” which you’re considering or the party which will “deliver for the many, not the few” it’s clear young people need comprehensive guidance on which party to vote for. The PR slogans, selective language, clichés and political euphemisms are offensive. This election is the most important of the 21st century, the outcome of which is likely to define Britain’s role within Europe and the wider world. This is why universities should be utilising their resources to ensure young people have their say, while ensuring their students aren’t misled by emotionally infused rhetoric, fear tactics and cliché Punch and Judy politics.
During the EU referendum last year, almost all universities backed remain, while many institutions explained the pros and cons of staying within the EU to their students. Arguably, this encouraged at least a proportion of young voters to cast their ballot. In total, 64% of registered voters aged 18-24 turned out for the referendum. Proving young people aren’t as politically apathetic as many are led to believe. Clearly, universities should be trying to ensure this year’s turnout is even greater. However, despite the increase among younger voters, the numbers for all other age brackets were higher during the EU referendum according to the same poll by Opinium.
The scrapping of the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and the sharp rise in tuition fees are just two events which have effected students. The implications of which are profound. But the media aren’t properly informing young people about the potential consequences of the forthcoming election, while the proprietors of major news publishers continue to influence the daily editorial agenda. If it isn’t coverage on Theresa May’s ‘strong and stable leadership’ it’s a report on how Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell share an unhealthy and neurotic obsession to dismantle the “free market“. And if it isn’t the demonisation of Labour, it’s more uninformed reporting of Britain’s negotiations with the EU, where terms like ‘market access’, ‘free trade’ and ‘tariff-free’ are juxtaposed as if they’re all interchangeable.
A study last year by Experian found that 18-year-olds are four times more likely to be on Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat than the electoral roll. If young people are encouraged to begin voting now, it’s more likely to become a habit, which will ensure the next generation of voters. Otherwise, future turnouts may shrink drastically.
In the last general election, less than half of under 25s cast their ballot. As reported by The Economist, voter turnout among the wealthiest nations is decreasing and it’s falling fastest among the young.
For a nation which portrays itself as a democratic beacon for the rest of the world, shouldn’t its highest educational institutions be ensuring the next generation shapes its discourse? The majority of universities send out weekly newsletters, hold monthly academic events and have lecture theatres which can accommodate crowds running into the hundreds. Considering, the fees which universities now charge, it’s clear these resources should be employed to empower the next generation.
Words: Daniel Khalili-Tari