Participation crisis

Question 1

What is the evidence for falling participation?

Answer 1

Turnout in general elections has been falling since 1979
E.g. It was 76% in 1979 (84% in 1950); in 2001, it was 59%
European, local and other elections have seen even lower turnouts
E.g. 35.2% in 2014 European elections; 36% in 2018 local elections; 15.1% for police commissioner elections in 2012
In 2011, on average only 42% bothered to vote in some referenda

Question 2

What is evidnece for increasing participation?

Answer 2

The number and membership of pressure groups has increased, suggesting participation has changed
There have been over 26,000 e-petitions on the government’s website, showing high levels of engagement
Protesting and campaigning via Facebook has also become a popular way of participating
Using Twitter to engage with MPs commentators and journalists