Under-30s in Britain express varying levels of engagement and scepticism about the impact of their votes in political elections

Young people in the UK are voicing a range of opinions about participating in the upcoming political elections, reflecting a complex landscape of engagement and apathy towards voting. The Guardian reached out to individuals under 30 across Britain to gauge their intentions and feelings towards voting, uncovering diverse perspectives on the democratic process.

Many young adults express a readiness to vote, driven by a sense of civic duty and the desire to influence key issues such as climate change, housing, and employment. For these voters, the act of voting is seen as a crucial tool for shaping their future. One respondent mentioned, “I’m definitely going to vote. It’s essential for us to have a say on policies that directly affect our lives, especially when it comes to the environment and jobs.”

However, not all share this enthusiasm. A significant number of young people remain sceptical about the effectiveness of their vote, citing disillusionment with political figures and a perceived lack of genuine policy change. “I feel like my vote doesn’t really matter,” a potential first-time voter explained. “It seems like politicians don’t really change things for young people, so why bother?”

Registration to vote is another hurdle. While many young adults are registered, others are not, often due to a lack of information or disillusionment with the political system. “I’m not registered, and I don’t plan to. I don’t believe the current political system represents my views or has my best interests at heart,” another young adult stated.

Amid these varied responses, the influence of educational institutions and family backgrounds also plays a significant role in shaping young people’s attitudes towards voting. Those from more politically active households or who received a better education about the UK’s political system tend to show more interest in participating in elections.

The UK government and various non-governmental organizations are ramping up efforts to encourage more young people to register and vote, emphasizing the impact that their votes can have on democratic processes and future policies. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between young citizens and political engagement, promoting a more inclusive and active participation in the country’s political life