Bristol SU vows to tackle possible low student turnout in summer general election

Milan Perera, Deputy editor

As Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for an early summer election, Bristol Students’ Union (SU) vowed to “do everything we can to get as many people as possible to register and be represented,” ahead of a possible turnout down to vote.

As the exam season and tenancy contracts come to a close before the summer holidays, there are fears that student turnout in the general election will fall further below already low participation levels.

Ending months of speculation, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a general election to be held on July 4. He made the announcement at a press conference held outside 10 Downing Street on 22 May.

General elections are normally held every five years to elect representatives to the UK Parliament.

However, the notoriously low turnout of students in both local and general elections has been a topic of discussion lately.

Conformable official recordsonly 47% of 18-24-year-olds voted in the 2019 general election, compared to 73% of over-65s.

Talking to Epigram, Bristol SU spokeswoman Amelia Kelly said: “Yesterday (May 22), Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for a general election on July 4. This is a great opportunity for students to be represented and have their say at the national level.

“Despite the potential for 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 in the summer election, Kelly said: “With the general election on the 4th of July, it could be harder to reach this population – particularly university students who start their summer break in July and it could be between housing leases.

“Whether it’s from halls of residence to private accommodation, or from one tenancy to another, this is a time of uncertainty for many students – and could lead to confusion about how best to commit in the voting process”.

“For many, this will be the first time they will be eligible to vote in a general election – so increased awareness of the voting process is vital, including voting by proxy or by post,” Kelly said.

On measures to remedy the situation, she said: “Therefore at Bristol Students’ Union we will be running a Register to Vote campaign to get all eligible students involved in voting.

“We recognize that the general election date, which falls outside the term, could be a barrier to student employment. But we will do our best to get as many people registered and represented as possible.

Saiba Haque, a former student from Bristol who graduated last year in Politics and Philosophy, echoed this sentiment. She said: “So as a former university student I am painfully aware that many students may be moving house around this time.

“That’s why it’s extremely important for those moving closer to polling time to make sure you’re registered to vote with your most recent place of residence.

“Those who will be on holiday abroad during this period can also register to vote. And definitely don’t forget photo ID for in-person voting.

She added: “Even if you don’t know who you want to vote for at the moment, it’s important not to rule the option out completely!

Also talking to Epigram, Alex Bullet, vice president of campaigns at the University of Bristol Labor Club, said: “Lower turnout among students means a weaker voice for us in politics. We strongly encourage students to register to vote, either at home or in Bristol, ahead of the general election on 4th July.’

Political campaigns are already underway to sway the undecided vote and seal the votes of the party faithful. Newly created Bristol Central is set to see a close contest between Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport MP Thangam Debbonaire and Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer, according to polls.

Featured Image: Milan Perera

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