The Electoral Commission data shows that many people aged 16-24 are disillusioned with politics, despite being the age group most likely to vote in reality shows such as Big Brother and Love Island. My Life My Say (MLMS) and Chatham House organized a Democracy Café in St James, London, where young people discussed their frustrations with politics. Less than half of those aged 16-24 are registered to vote, with an estimated four million young people who could potentially form the UK’s second-largest city. Six million young people did not vote in the last election, despite being more likely to vote in reality TV shows.
To address the low voter registration rates among young people, the Give an X campaign was launched ahead of National Voter Registration Day by MLMS, the #IWill Movement, and social change agency Shape History. This youth-led voter registration coalition aims to ensure that every young person knows how to register and vote. Partners include Apple, Premier League football clubs, and brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Lime bikes, who are actively engaging with young people to promote voter registration in innovative ways. The campaign aims to increase voter participation among young people.
London faces a significant voter registration challenge, with almost one in five Londoners not on the electoral register, the highest proportion in the country. Many Londoners are also unaware of the new ID rules for voting. MLMS acknowledges the difficulty of re-engaging young people with politics, given the challenges they face. The Democracy Cafés organized by MLMS have been a starting point for over two million young people to engage in political discussions. The Give an X campaign focuses on advancing civic education and building an informed electorate to shape the political landscape for generations to come.
To address the challenges faced by young people, the Give an X campaign aims to empower them to be active participants in the democratic process. By increasing voter registration rates and promoting voter engagement, the coalition hopes to ensure that young people’s voices are heard in upcoming elections. The campaign uses a variety of strategies, including partnerships with brands and organizations to reach young people through different channels. By providing young people with the information and resources they need to register and vote, Give an X aims to strengthen democracy and create a more inclusive political system.
The My Life My Say organization emphasizes the importance of young people’s participation in politics and the need for their voices to be heard. By providing a platform for young people to engage in political discussions and promoting voter registration, MLMS and its partners are working to address the challenges faced by young voters. The Give an X campaign is a youth-led initiative that aims to increase voter turnout among young people and empower them to shape the future they want to see. Through innovative strategies and partnerships, the campaign seeks to make a meaningful impact on youth participation in politics and create a more inclusive democracy.
