Bristol SU vows to tackle possible low student turnouts for General Election in summer
Milan Perera, Deputy Editor
As Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for a snap summer election, Bristol Student Union (SU) has vowed to ‘be doing our best to get as many people registered, and represented, as possible’ in the face of possible low turnouts.
As the exam season and tenancy agreements are reaching a conclusion before the summer break, it is feared that the student turnout for the General Election will further plummet below the already low participation levels.
By putting to rest months of speculations, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a General Election to be held on July 4. He made the announcement in a press conference held outside of 10 Downing Street on May 22.
General Elections are normally held every five years to elect representatives for the UK Parliament.
However, the notoriously low turnout of students in both Local and General elections has been a talking point lately.
According to official records, only 47 per cent of people aged 18-24 voted in the 2019 General Election, compared with 73 per cent of people aged over 65.
Speaking to Epigram, a spokesperson for Bristol SU said: ‘Yesterday (22 May), Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for a general election on 4 July. This is a great opportunity for students to be represented and have their say nationally.
“Despite the potential of their voices to have great power in the electoral process, the 18-24 age range has a generally low voter turnout.”
On the reasons behind a possible low turnout for a summer election, the spokesperson said: ‘With a general election on 4 July, it could be harder to reach this demographic – especially university students who begin summer vacation in July and might be between housing tenancies.
‘Whether that be from student halls to private accommodation, or from one tenancy agreement to the next, this is a time of uncertainty for many students – and could lead to confusion about how best to engage in the voting process.
‘For many, this will be the first time they are eligible to vote in a general election – so an increased awareness regarding the voting process is vital, including proxy or postal voting.’
On the measures to remedy the situation, the spokesperson added: ‘Therefore, at Bristol Students’ Union we will be running a Register to Vote campaign to engage all eligible students to vote.
‘We recognise that the date of the general election, which falls outside of term, could be a barrier to engaging students. But we will be doing our best to get as many people registered, and represented, as possible.’
Saiba Haque, a former Bristol student who graduated in Politics and Philosophy last year echoed this sentiment. She said: 'So, as a former university student I am painfully aware that many university students may be moving houses close to this time.
'Which is why it is immensely important for those who are moving houses closer to the voting period to make sure that you are registered to vote with your most recent place of residence.
‘Those who will be overseas on holiday during that time can also register to vote as well. And absolutely not to forget photo ID for in-person voting.’
She added: ‘Even if you don’t know who you want to vote for right now, it’s important to not to rule out the option entirely!’
A General Election has just been called on 4th July
— NUS UK (@nusuk) May 22, 2024
As students, we make up 10% of the voting population, so we can make a big difference in this election as long as we TURN UP
Make the pledge to vote and we will send you all the information you need: https://t.co/3FyfkvcOj0
Also speaking to Epigram, Alex Bullet, Vice President for Campaigns at the University of Bristol Labour Club, said: ‘Lower turnout amongst students means a weaker voice for us in politics. We strongly encourage students to register to vote, either at home or in Bristol, in advance of the July 4th general election.’
Political campaigns are already underway to sway the vote of the undecided and to seal the votes of the party faithfuls. According to the pollsters, the recently created Bristol Central is to see a close competition between the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Thangam Debbonaire MP and the co-leader of the Green Party, Carla Denyer.
Featured image: Milan Perera
Will you be casting your vote in General Election in July?