Search Results

By Jacob Barnsley Local elections are a fundamental aspect of democracy. They enable people to have a say in the governance of their communities. However, one group that is often disengaged from local politics is young people. This article aims to highlight the importance of youth participation in local elections and the impact it has on the communities they live in. Why are young people disengaged from local politics? The common disengagement among young people can largely be attributed to a subconscious association of voting with the older generations. Surveys have time and time again displayed that voter turnout inevitably increases with age. This mindset can only be seen as rot within our democracy. The flaw is that only older generations are given the power to change the world the younger generations will inherit. Consequences of the absence of youth participation. The absence of youth participation in local elections can have severe consequences: It can lead to decisions being made that do not reflect the views and interests of young people. This can result in policies that are not inclusive or representative of the community as a whole. It can perpetuate the marginalization of young people in society, as they are not given a platform to express their concerns and ideas It can discourage young people from participating in the political process in the future. Successful Initiatives for youth participation Several successful initiatives have been implemented across the UK to increase youth participation in local elections. For instance, some local authorities have lowered the voting age to 16, which has resulted in a higher turnout of young voters. Additionally, some local councils have created youth councils or committees to provide a platform for young people to engage in local politics and express their views. Impact of increased youth participation Increased youth participation in local elections has led to more inclusive and representative decision-making. It has resulted in policies that better reflect the views and interests of young people and has given them a greater voice in shaping the future of their communities. Furthermore, it has helped to reduce the marginalization of young people in society, as they are given a platform to express their concerns and ideas. Young people must recognize the importance of local elections and the impact they can have on their lives and communities. It is essential that they engage in the political process, express their views, and make their voices heard. By doing so, they can ensure that decisions are made that reflect their interests and that they are not marginalized in society. Local councils and authorities must also do their part by creating initiatives that encourage youth participation in local elections.

By Jacob Barnsley Young people in the UK are often told that they are the future of our country, yet their voices are not always heard when it comes to the important decisions that will shape that future. This is particularly true when it comes to voting. The voting age in the UK is currently 18, meaning that those who are 16 and 17 are not able to vote in general elections, referendums, or local elections. Many young people believe that this is unfair and that the voting age should be lowered to 16. When campaigners suggest lowering the voting age, the common response is that 16- and 17-year-olds are too immature to make informed decisions. However, this misses the real danger: that growing numbers of young people may not vote at all. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that extending the right to vote to 16- and 17-year-olds would increase their participation in the democratic process. In Scotland, 16- and 17-year-olds were given the right to vote in the independence referendum in 2014. A study by the Electoral Commission found that 75% of young people in this age group turned out to vote, compared to 54% of 18- to 24-year-olds. This demonstrates that when given the opportunity to vote, young people are more than capable of engaging with the democratic process and making informed decisions. Extending the right to vote to 16- and 17-year-olds is also a matter of fairness. At 16, young people can join the army with parental consent, pay taxes, and leave school. They can legally have sex, get married with parental consent, and even change their gender. So why are they not trusted to vote? Lowering the voting age would give young people a say in decisions that will affect their lives, and allow them to have a stake in the future of our country. Moreover, extending the right to vote to 16- and 17-year-olds would encourage young people to engage more broadly in civic life. Research suggests that when young people are given the opportunity to vote, they are more likely to participate in other forms of civic engagement, such as volunteering, protesting, and joining political parties. This increased engagement can help to build a stronger, more active democracy. Critics of lowering the voting age argue that young people are not informed enough to vote. However, this is a flawed argument. Many 16- and 17-year-olds are politically engaged and informed, and those who are not can be taught. Schools could play a role in educating young people about politics, and political parties could engage with young people directly to ensure that they have the information they need to make informed decisions. Extending the right to vote to 16- and 17-year-olds is not only a matter of fairness, but also a way to encourage young people to engage more broadly in civic life and to participate in the democratic process. As the future of our country, young people deserve to have a say in the decisions that will shape their lives. It is time to trust them with the vote.

By Jacob Barnsley In the United States and around the world, young people consistently vote less than their elders. In the 2016 presidential election, fewer than half of Americans aged 18 to 29 cast their vote, a 15-point gap compared to the overall turnout. This trend is not unique to the United States; a recent analysis of turnout in two dozen countries revealed that young people have lower voting rates than the general population in every country. The sample of two dozen countries is not representative of all nations, as they are richer, more democratic, and more literate than the 168 countries that were contacted but did not have youth turnout data available. Nonetheless, the trends in the analysed countries are illustrative. Political science research has identified three themes that help explain the gap in young voters: habit formation, opportunity cost, and alternative participation. Voting is a habit that is formed over time, and young people have had fewer opportunities to form and reinforce this habit compared to their elders. The habit is also reinforced externally, as people of all ages are influenced by what they see their peers doing. Older people are more likely to have observed friends making the choice to vote over multiple election cycles, which reinforces their habit of voting. Voting for the first or second time may be harder than voting in subsequent elections due to direct and indirect opportunity costs. Young adults may have less flexible employment schedules, less financial cushion to take time off to vote, or be in temporary housing situations where they lack deep community ties. Learning the process of voting, such as finding a polling place and learning about the candidates, can also be a challenge for first-time voters. In the United States, some of these obstacles were, or still are, intentional, and tied to a legacy of slavery and racism. Voter ID laws, for example, may disproportionately affect low-propensity voters, including young people. The politically powerful may not see raising voter turnout among all cohorts as a universal goal. Despite these challenges, young people are participating in other forms of political action, such as mass protests, occupy movements, and increased use of social media as a new platform of political engagement. The rise of these alternative forms of citizen activism suggests that the problem does not come down to lack of interest among young people. Among the 24 countries analysed, the difference between youth and general turnout ranged from less than a percentage point to more than 20 points. The United States fares particularly dismally, with the fifth-lowest youth turnout in the sample and the fourth-biggest gap between youth and overall turnout. To close, young people consistently vote less than their elders, but this is not due to a lack of interest. Political science research has identified habit formation, opportunity cost, and alternative participation as reasons for the gap in young voters. The problem is particularly pronounced in the United States, which has the fifth-lowest youth turnout in the analysed sample of two dozen countries. Nonetheless, young people are participating in other forms of political action, suggesting that the problem does not come down to a lack of interest.

By Jacob Barnsley The Megaphone Principle is a concept which highlights the importance of elevating young voices in political discourse. It ensures that policies are more inclusive and representative of the needs of all citizens. The concept emphasises that young people possess unique perspectives and ideas that are often disregarded in political decision-making. Brexit serves as a prime example of the significance of the Megaphone Principle, as young people's voices and opinions have played a crucial role in shaping the discourse around the issue. While low youth turnout in the 2016 Brexit referendum resulted in their views being outvoted, surveys by the British Election Study indicate a steady increase in youth voter participation. This trend suggests that young people are recognizing the importance of their voices in shaping political outcomes. A recent poll by Youth Political Insider found that a substantial majority of young people would choose to remain in the EU if a second Brexit referendum were held. The result is particularly noteworthy since younger generations were outvoted by older ones in the 2016 referendum. This underscores the continued relevance of youth voices in influencing political decisions, particularly regarding matters that directly impact their futures. YPI, by investigating the youth opinions on Brexit, show that the voting intention of youth now has no indication of having changed from the first Referendum. These indications can suggest that the only way for a change in result to occur, because of the youth vote, would occur due to an increase in voter turnout and not changed voter opinions. The Megaphone Principle is therefore given a greater sense of authority by this conclusion. The amplification of youth voices, in general, is further augmented by social media's increased use among young people. As it provides them with a broader platform to amplify their voices and engage with a larger audience. This newfound power can significantly influence political outcomes, as seen in recent youth-led movements such as the Global Climate Strike and Black Lives Matter protests. The potential for a second Brexit referendum makes the significance of the Megaphone Principle more apparent, as it could potentially result in a different outcome compared to the first referendum. Young people now have the ability to participate in political discourse and influence the opinions of their peers on a broader scale. Consequently, the Megaphone Principle could ultimately determine the fate of a second Brexit referendum. The Principle promotes active citizenship among young people by engaging them in the political process in a way that fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership towards society. By amplifying youth voices, we can leverage the unique perspectives and ideas that young people bring to the table to ensure that policies are more inclusive and reflective of the needs of all citizens. The Megaphone Principle has the prospect of fundamentally transforming how we approach politics and policymaking. By elevating youth voices in politics, we can establish a more representative and inclusive democracy that better reflects the needs and aspirations of all citizens.

By Jacob Barnsley Young people have long been on the periphery of the political process, with decisions being made without their input or consideration. However, in recent years, there has been a notable rise in the number of youth councils and parliaments, providing young people with a platform to voice their concerns and opinions. These councils and parliaments have been pioneers in cultivating a drop in the average age of a politician, and in this article, I will strive to identify their effect on the political landscape since their introduction. Youth councils and parliaments have been in existence for several decades, with their roots dating back to the 1960s when young people were seeking a way to make their voices heard. The councils and parliaments were established as a way to provide young people with a platform to express their opinions on issues affecting their communities. Over the years, these councils and parliaments have grown in number and importance, becoming a crucial tool for young people to get involved in politics and make a difference. The impact of youth councils and parliaments cannot be overstated. They have been instrumental in raising awareness of issues affecting young people, including mental health, education, employment, and housing. There are countless examples of their vast effectiveness. One example of a successful youth council is the Camden Youth Council in London, which was founded in 2010 and has been instrumental in advocating for policies and initiatives that benefit young people in the borough. For instance, the council played a key role in establishing a new youth centre and developing a youth-led mental health campaign. Another example is the Scottish Youth Parliament, which was established in 1999 and provides a platform for young people to voice their opinions on issues affecting their communities. The parliament has successfully lobbied for a range of policies, including free bus travel for under-25s and the inclusion of LGBT+ issues in the Scottish school curriculum. These examples demonstrate the important role that youth councils and parliaments can play in shaping political discourse and advancing policies that benefit young people. Through these councils and parliaments, young people have been able to participate in decision-making processes, offer solutions, and hold elected officials accountable. This has empowered young people to take ownership of their communities and become active citizens. According to recent studies, the number of young people engaging in local politics has significantly increased in the past decade. In the UK, for example, the number of young people who voted in the 2019 general election increased by 10% compared to the 2017 election, with over two-thirds of those aged 18-24 casting their ballot. Since their introduction. Youth councils and parliaments have become increasingly popular, with over 500 local youth councils now operating across the UK. This rise in youth engagement in politics has also led to a noticeable drop in the average age of politicians, with a number of councils and parliaments electing young people to positions of power. And in some areas, young people have even been appointed as deputy mayors or chairs of council committees, highlighting the growing influence of youth voices in local decision-making processes. Getting involved in a youth council or parliament is relatively easy. Young people can attend meetings, voice their concerns to elected officials, and participate in local elections. They can also join local youth councils and committees to work on projects and initiatives that address community needs. Participation in these councils and parliaments provides young people with opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills, build networks, and gain valuable experience in the political process It would be an injustice to Democracy not to encourage the growth of Youth Parliaments and councils, and ensure that each major demographic is represented at the local stage and even the national stage. The future of politics is in the hands of young people. And Youth Councils may well be the key to a brighter future.

The involvement of young people in politics is essential for the future of our democracy. However, a significant number of them seem disengaged from the political process. The question then arises as to how we can promote youth political engagement. The solution might lie in peer involvement. Recent research from the British Election Study demonstrates that young people are more likely to participate in political activities when their peers and family are politically active as well. But still an evolved form of the original question remains. Youth involvement is higher now than ever before. So what has changed regarding peer involvement in the 21st century as opposed to previous centuries? As a journalist in the field of youth politics, I am aware of the ever-evolving role of social media as a catalytic force for young people's engagement in political affairs. Indeed, the digital realm has proven to be an indispensable tool in empowering the voices of the youth and amplifying their political opinions. The millennial generation and the Gen Z cohort, in particular, have harnessed the power of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to articulate their views on politics and current events. The fast-paced nature of these platforms has enabled young people to engage with issues that affect their lives and communities, while also providing a forum for them to connect with their peers and influencers who share similar values and beliefs. Hashtags, in particular, have become a powerful tool for galvanising support and raising awareness of political issues, allowing young people to join virtual communities and mobilise around shared causes. For example, the hashtag #MeToo sparked a global movement against sexual harassment and assault, while #BlackLivesMatter gave voice to the struggles of black people against systemic racism and police brutality. Social media has also given young people access to a vast trove of information and news that they might not have otherwise been exposed to. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook allow users to curate their own newsfeeds, creating a personalised experience that caters to their interests and concerns. Those with liberal biases will tend to follow others with similar views, as will those with conservative biases etc. This cultivates a strong sense of unity around their political leanings - encouraging further involvement in politics. Moreover, young people can use social media to fact-check and scrutinise the accuracy of news reports, giving them the tools to be informed and critical citizens. Despite all this, I have realised that while peer involvement can be a powerful tool for engaging young people in politics, it is not without its challenges. For example, the issue of political polarisation. Young people may be more likely to engage in political activities if their peers share similar political views, but this can lead to a tribal approach to politics - as many are not exposed to opposing views. The issue of peer pressure is also prominent. While peer involvement can encourage young people to engage in political activities, it can also create pressure to conform to certain political views or behaviours. This can be particularly challenging for young people who may be unsure of their political beliefs or who feel pressured to conform to the views of their peers. In closing, peer involvement can be used as a tool to encourage the future to engage in political affairs. It is clear that peer involvement holds the key to unlocking the secret to youth politics. By promoting a culture of open-mindedness, diversity, and access to information, we can mitigate the downsides and exploit the upsides of social media and other peer involvement methods. Young people are beginning to harness the power of peer influence to create a better future for our youth and for our country.