Factors that influence voting behaviour (democracy)

Question 1

Age

Answer 1

P- Age influences voting behaviour
E- Younger voters are more likely to vote for left wing parties whereas elder are more likely to vote for right win parties
EX- 66% of 18−19 year old voters voting Labour in 2017.
A- This proves that a clear majority of young adults sided with labour (a left wing party) ​
F- Younger people are less likely to vote
E- It proven that younger people are less inclined to vote compared to elders
EX- 43% of young voters didn’t cast a vote in 2017rising to 53% in 2019
A- This shows that almost almost majority younger people didnt cast a vote in 2017, with an increase to a majority not voting in 2019.
C- So this shows that elderly voters are more likely to influence the results of elections and referendums due to their voting pattern and turnout.

Question 2

Social Class

Answer 2

P- Social class
E- Some political analysts argue SOCIAL CLASS remains an important factor affecting voting behaviour in the UK
EX-The Conservatives traditionally favour low taxes and reduced welfare support which appeal to wealthier people in social classes A/B whilst Labour and the SNP, favour policies to redistribute wealth and spend more on the welfare state; policies which appeal to less well-off voters in social classes D/E.
A- This shows that people in lower social classes are more inclined to vote for parties such as labour as they have policies that tend to favour those living in lower class
H- Many people argue that those in lower class vote for conservitives
EX- In 2019 the Conservatives outperformed Labour across all social classes
A- This shows that voters will vote for the party which looks best to improve their standard of living.

Question 3

Media

Answer 3

P- Media
E- Its seen that aspects of media (newspapers, tv) can influence how parties are portrayed
EX- The sun newspaper is bias toward the conseritives
A- This means that they are more inclined to feature information that favours the conservatives and makes the Labour party look bad, influencing people to vote for conservitive over labour
H- Others believe the media simply reinforces voting behaviour.
EX- Research from the University of Michigan said “Social media reinforces polarisation.” and voters are more likely to search out groups where everyone agrees with them.
A- This shows that voters are more inclined to read and watch news that favours the political party they support, meaning that its only reinforcing theyre views

Question 4

Ethnicity

Answer 4

P- Ethnicity
E- Links can also be identified between ethnicity and voting behaviour as the Labour Party benefits more from the votes of people from ethnic minority (BEMs) groups.​
EX- In the 2019 general election the Tories won only 23% of the BEM vote whereas Labour secured 65%.
A- This proves that ethnic minorities are more inclined to vote for parties which policies align with there views.
H- The Conservatives are making a breakthrough in attracting BEMs as many successful BEM businessmen who are also in social classes A/B and will be attracted to Tory policies on low taxation and managing the economy.
EX- In 2021 a YouGov poll showed support for Labour amongst Hindus fell from 60% in 2010 to 40%
A- This proves that richer ethnicities are beginning to support right wing parties.