Debates regarding gender, class, ethnicity + age

What is the debate regarding ethnicity in relation to voting?

Many ethnic minorities do not register to vote.

Why do many ethnic minorities not vote?

Many don't know they're entitled to or how to register to vote.

What is an example of the lack of ethnic minorities who are registered to vote? (according to Electoral Commission)

25% of black voters and 24% of asian voters weren't registered to vote in 2018.

How many white people were not registered to vote in 2018?

16%

What is the counter-argument to the ethnic minority debate?

Are minority; according to ONS UK, parliamentary election registrations have been decreasing since 1992.

What is the debate regarding age in relation to voting?

16-17 year olds should have the vote.

Why do some argue 16-17 year olds should vote?

Maturity; to extend participation due to turnout

Give evidence for 16-17 vote argument

2.3% of population, some pay income tax, can join the armed forces.

What does this 16-17 year old argument mean?

Have same responsibilities as adults, should be treated suchly; would extend rep.

What is the counter-argument for the 16-17 year old right to vote?

They are not educated enough, children under the law.

What is the debate regarding prisoners in relation to voting?

Prisoners should be allowed to vote.

Why should prisoners be allowed to vote?

Some say that voting is a fundamental right.

What was the ruling of the ECHR in Hirst vs UK (2005) regarding prisoners' suffrage?

The ECHR ruled that a blanket ban of prisoners' suffrage breached Article 3.

What does Article 3 of ECHR mean?

Right to free elections

Give a counter-argument for the prisoners' right to vote

In 2013, SCUK rejected appeals to prisoner suffrage ban.

The turnout for GEs has never reached 80% since _______.

1950

What is one way in which female representation is high in UK?

As of 2024 GE, 40% of MPs is female.

What is one way in which female representation is low?

Only 24% of the Conservatives are female.

What is one way in which working class representation is still low?

In 1945, around 1/4 of MPs had a working-class job; by 2019, this was 7%.

What is one way in which young people representation is still low?

Around 3% of MPs under 30.