Less than 10 percent of young people in London have registered for a postal vote, compared to a quarter those over 65.
With five days to left until the deadline to register to vote in England, Jon Cruddas, the local MP for Dagenham and Rainham is urging young people to register to vote and have their voices heard ahead of the London Mayoral and GLA elections on May 6th.
With less than half of 18-25-year-olds voting at the 2019 General Election, turnout among young people is expected to be historically low at the May elections amid the pandemic.
According to Labour analysis, less than 10 per cent of young people aged 18-25 are registered to vote compared to more than a quarter of those over 65.
Jon Cruddas has said that young people must be at the heart of Britain’s recovery from this crisis, with successive Conservative governments weakening Britain’s foundations and robbing too many young people of the opportunities they deserve.
Labour warns that Government inaction on postal voting threatens UK democracy and public health and is calling for councils to receive dedicated support for postal vote sign up efforts. The deadline for postal voter registration in England is 20th of April.
With those aged 18 and older due to be vaccinated by 31 of July in England, many young people are unlikely to be vaccinated by election day.
Jon Cruddas MP for Dagenham and Rainham said:
“After the devastating year they’ve had, young people must have their voices heard in this election. Young people have played a central role in our country’s response to this crisis, with many volunteering to support the most vulnerable.
Trevor Mckeever Prospective candidate for Beam Park said :
I think it is important for young people to vote and be involved in politics.
Young people have the ability to shake up politics, at this time young people do not feel they are represented by the old school Etonian Politicians.
A more dynamic and younger politician with a modern diverse agenda would make young people feel like their views are being represented in parliament, by voting they can significantly influence the future direction of politics and politicians, which they must do as they will have to face the consequences of elected party decisions for the longest period of time.