Power lies with the people, and democracy ensures that their voices shape governance, protect rights, and hold leaders accountable for just and fair decision-making. It allows us to effectively participate, and voice matters that affect vulnerable communities and demand for change – the core of civil society.
Democracy is the key to a progressive and equal world, but it is only truly effective if it includes everyone –and if everyone feels a sense of belonging to democratic spaces. When people, especially young individuals and underrepresented groups, feel connected to the political process, may be more likely to engage and contribute to shaping policies that address their concerns.
While young people are often seen as a driving force for political change, turnout data suggests a growing income divide—millennial non-graduates and non-homeowners are increasingly unlikely to vote, widening the education and homeownership gap in political participation.
This global trend raises concerns about long-term disengagement and the risk of political decisions being shaped disproportionately by older, wealthier and white voters.
This growing participation gap raises important questions: why are these young voters disengaging, and what can be done to ensure that democracy remains representative of all citizens?
Because we know young people care about the world we live in, especially due to their disparities based on housing, income, student debt and mental health. But there is also a concerning disparity in access to political representation, which has led to young people feeling disillusioned from the political system and issues that directly impact their future. Many young people feel pessimistic in democracy, sensing their vote won’t lead to change. This raise concerns if young people do not see the value of voting altogether.
Image credit – Pixaby
People are less likely to participate in democracy if they don’t feel that their concerns are being heard, or engaged in meaningful conversations, or if there are a lack of spaces where their voices can directly influence policy, while ensuring political decisions are reflective of their lived experiences.
At Voice4Change England, we believe in getting as many people to vote as possible. And we hope our political systems evolve to be more inclusive and responsive, creating platforms where young people, and marginalised communities, feel genuinely heard and valued.
Because the pulse is there. Young people are civically engaged through activism and online presence. They show their passion in fighting for social justice and demonstrate a powerful commitment through activism, volunteering and engaging with social issues. Young people deeply care about tackling inequalities, climate change and human rights. Our democratic spaces have been influenced by their advocacy, such as leading the charge in the Black Lives Matter global movement, Stop Asian-American Pacific Islander Hate Youth Campaign, and environmental activism, a crisis that will disproportionately affect younger generations.
By recognising and amplifying young people’s voices in formal political and democratic processes, policymakers can harness this passion and create civic pathways for young people to transform their activism into democratic participation. This can create long-term meaningful change and the systemic transformation our democratic spaces require to create a culture shift for future generations. Because that is what democracy is about.
Every voice matters. Every vote matters. Register to vote so, you can vote in elections and referendums in the UK.
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