How do we get young people to vote? The solution's simple

Young people don't vote because they think the Government doesn't represent their views. They're right

When Russell Brand urged young people to actively boycott politics in a recent Newsnight interview, he didn't mention they are already doing just that, at the same time those who represent us – or at least represent those who actually cast a vote – reflect the demographic make-up of our country less than ever before.

In 2010 voter turnout among 18-25 year olds was the lowest since records began – but with reason – young voters’ views are no longer reflected in Government; today’s crop of party leaders may be the youngest ever, but the average age of a member of our current parliament is older than those elected in 1979, 1983 and 1987. Over 12 per cent of Britons are from an ethnic minority, yet just over 4 per cent of parliamentarians are, and 22 per cent of parliamentarians are female, despite women making up more than half of the population. It’s really no surprise many people don’t see their vote as important.

If we want representatives that actually represent of the views of the general public, not the fanciful, extreme or dangerous, then it is in all our interests to increase youth turnout at the polls. Fortunately there are ways this can be achieved – and without middle aged politicians suddenly finding some elixir that makes them irresistible to youth voters at election time.

In Canada, studies have shown a correlation between youth turnout in elections and young people’s engagement in community volunteering. In that country, youth voter turnout is one of the highest in the Western world, as are levels of community engagement. It must be one of the least surprising and worse kept secrets that, regardless of age, if you have active involvement in the community where you live you will be more concerned about it, and therefore more likely to want to exercise your vote in elections for those who seek to represent your neighbourhood.

Over the coming months, UpRising, the social youth engagement charity I run, will launch a new nationwide youth democratic engagement programme. In six locations across the UK - London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bedfordshire, Liverpool and Stoke – we aim to begin a turn-around in youth voting by helping many thousands of young people take part in social action and community projects. This will foster the development of a natural passion for democratic change in its fullest sense - including exercising their right to vote. Through this dialogue and engagement, we hope to close the gap between the long decline of youth participation in elections, and the rise of the seemingly identikit politician that does not look or feel like the electorate at all.

Andrea Cooper is CEO of UpRising