It’s said that young people could swing the general election – if only more of them voted. First-timers tell us who, if anyone, they intend to support

In the run-up to the 2015 general election, a report by the market researcher Populus argued that the political party that won over young voters could “win the keys to Downing Street”. The study, commissioned by the left-leaning thinktank Demos, suggested that there were up to 3 million young voters “up for grabs” if only politicians could offer them “credible, positive policies” that addressed their concerns.

In the event, estimates from Ipsos Mori put voter turnout among 18- to 24-year-olds at 43% – almost half that of over-65s (78%) – with 43% of those voters backing Labour. David Cowling, a political opinion polling specialist at King’s College London, has suggested a youth turnout at the level seen among pensioners could have given Labour the handful of extra seats needed to deny the Tories their slim majority.

It was a similar story with the EU referendum. Initial estimates suggested that only 36% of 18- to 24-year-olds voted, causing cries of anguish from Remain campaigners, who thought an increase in young voters could have helped make up the 1.3m votes needed to change the result. (Recent analysis by Professor Michael Bruter and Dr Sarah Harrison from the department of political science and European politics at the London School of Economics suggests that youth turnout was actually much higher, around 64%.)

While the notion that young voters hold the power to swing elections is disputed – it has not escaped the notice of political campaigners that it can’t just be assumed that non-voting youngsters would vote Labour or Remain in the same numbers as voting ones. In the run-up to the deadline for registering to vote last Monday, groups including Bite the Ballot, Hope Not Hate, the National Union of Students and the Electoral Commission toured the country with their campaigns – and trendy hashtags – in a huge drive to persuade young people to sign up.

In the final 12 hours before the midnight deadline, Labour announced that it would scrap tuition fees as soon as this autumn if it were to be elected and celebrities ranging from Stormzy to Gary Lineker urged young people to use their democratic right. Cabinet Office figures show that 40% (246,000) of the 622,000 people who registered in the 24 hours before applications closed were under 25.

“We really reject the idea that young people are apathetic,” says Amy Longland, 23, from My Life My Say, an organisation campaigning for “a better Brexit for young people”. Longland adds: “It’s just that politics doesn’t work for them and it isn’t made relevant to their everyday lives.

“It’s a vicious cycle. The main parties often don’t address young people’s issues in their manifestos, so lots of young people don’t vote because they don’t think it’ll make a difference to them. And because they don’t vote, they aren’t seen as an important voting bloc, like the over-60s, and they’re not included in party manifestos.”

Professor Bruter from the LSE agrees that the idea that young people are not interested in politics is wrong. So is the notion that there is a communication problem between young voters and politicians.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest ‘I’ve got a Theresa May outfit ready for leavers’ day at school’: first-time voter Isaac, 18, in Nottingham. Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

“[There’s an idea] that if only political parties were more present on social media then that would mobilise young people,” he says. As part of their research, Bruter and Harrison showed young people posts on social media from political parties and found this often made them more critical of politicians than before. “In other words, the message becomes even more visible and the more visible it is to young people, the clearer it is that this is not the message they want to hear.”

Attempts to court the youth vote have so far included Labour’s pledge to scrap tuition fees and bring back the education maintenance allowance and the Liberal Democrat offer of “rent to buy” deposit-free homes. But young people don’t just respond to policies that will make them financially better off, says Bruter. Pledges to scrap tuition fees and help young people get decent housing are all very well, but they underestimate the extent to which the young are “sociotropic rather than egocentric”, he says. “In other words, what they care about is a certain vision of society more than their own self-benefit, so even though they will be receptive to proposals to get rid of tuition fees and things like that, it’s probably not as powerful a stimulation as was the case with the contrast of the two visions of society offered by the Remain and Leave campaigns last year.”

Michael Sani, founder of the Bite the Ballot youth engagement campaign, also argues that the assumption that young people are all left wing is also misguided. The charity launched a voter-advice app before the 2015 general election that allowed users to rate a range of policies from the manifestos of the major parties. “We had half-a-million under-24s play [with] it in a month and when we looked at the numbers it was clear that this notion that they’re all left wing is actually outdated,” he says. “If you break down particular issues, it’s unbelievable. In areas where there was a large population living in council housing, when it came to crime and policing, they liked the policies in the [2015] Tory manifesto. They wanted harsher crime and punishment.”

Before the voter-registration deadline, My Life My Say teamed up with Starbucks to host “democracy cafes”, inspired by coffee houses in the 17th century, where people met for political discussion, inviting young people across the UK to come along and talk politics in return for free coffee. Longland says that the sessions revealed a wide range of concerns and priorities among young people that did not necessarily fall on the left or right of the political spectrum.

“When we were in Belfast, it was fascinating to hear how Brexit has affected [sectarian] relations,” she said, speaking after a session in Sheffield. “Young people don’t feel that kind of division like their parents do, but they’re then worried that Brexit is going to make it more pronounced. In Cardiff, on the other hand, they feel really ignored and overlooked.”

For young people, Labour’s tuition fees pledge is a real game-changer | Eli Aldridge Read more

She found that young people in areas with a high Leave vote, such as Dagenham, Portsmouth and Blackburn, were often as Eurosceptic as the older generation. “A lot of them were saying that they can barely make ends meet and that they didn’t really have time to think about politics.”

Discussions about what is important to young people are often dominated by the views of students, who tend to be more vocal, she says. “These people [in Dagenham, Portsmouth and Blackburn] said they had never been asked their opinion before,” she says. “It’s always really easy to get a group of students together and ask their opinions.”

The youth vote is often concentrated in urban areas, which are commonly Labour safe seats, but a report by Novara Media, a leftwing alternative media project, analysed Electoral Commission, Office for National Statistics (ONS) and national polling data and estimated that under-25s could have “a significant impact” in defending 32 Labour marginals. It also estimated 12 Tory marginals could be ripe for the taking by either Labour or the Liberal Democrats if enough under-25s voted.

The Labour marginals named included Lancaster and Fleetwood, Ealing Central and Acton, Blackpool South and Hove. Tory marginals apparently vulnerable to a high youth vote included Brighton Kemptown, Croydon Central, Gower, Derby North, Vale of Clwyd and Plymouth Sutton and Devonport.

But despite the best efforts of campaigners, Bruter is not optimistic that youth turnout will be high on 8 June. “The first big reason that people tend to vote is the perception that the stakes are high and the second reason is the perception that the race is close,” he says. While the stakes may be high, the polls suggest a Tory win is a foregone conclusion. “The third factor that can produce a higher turnout among young voters is when there is a candidate who really gets them excited, as was the case for instance in Obama’s first election and New Labour’s victory in 1997,” says Bruter, adding that he has seen no evidence that Corbyn’s leadership is mobilising young people or putting them off.

“Young people don’t tend to be very excited by general election campaigns and partisan competitions,” says Bruter. He argues there isn’t much that would excite young voters in an election that is mainly concerned with who would manage the Brexit process better. “This particular general election is a typical general election from that point of view,” he says. “In terms of the framing of the campaign, there is nothing there that would be very exciting to young voters.”

Niall, 19

Occupation: Supermarket worker (and model)

Constituency: Nottingham East

Voting: Labour

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Niall: ‘I love being in the EU.’ Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

I find politics interesting; I watch the news every night, I read the news online. Clearly Corbyn is a better politician than May – you only need to watch videos of him back in the day, helping the homeless. So I’ll vote Labour, but if any politician was offering to keep us in the EU, I’d vote for them. If we leave, the university situation will be even worse – it’ll be harder for young people to get mortgages, we won’t be able to move and live abroad. I love being in the EU.

I wish I could go to university. I work in Asda and I can’t see many opportunities there. If I could go to university, I could get a better job and a better life. People our age want a better future but how are we supposed to get three grand a term? So if the Labour party are promising to scrap tuition fees, I’ll vote for them.

Romello, 22

Occupation: Clothes designer

Constituency: Nottingham East

Voting: Opting out

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Romello: ‘I don’t think voting has any effect.’ Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

I would vote – and perhaps I will vote one day – but when I look at the state of politics, it’s clear that we have no control, the system is designed to protect the establishment, and I don’t think voting has any effect. The only real change I’ve seen since I was 13 is the fact that we’re leaving the EU. Look at Brexit – as soon as the referendum was held, David Cameron stepped down – he’s the one who did us out of the EU. Then Nigel Farage, who was supposed to be the one who cared about Brexit, he stepped down too. They only care about themselves.

Some people my age have political wars on Facebook, but in the end it’s a waste of time unless we can do something in the real world. So many people are disengaged, and the next generation are going to be even less engaged – they’ve got Snapchat, Instagram, all these drugs that keep them sedated.

If I were forced to vote, I’d vote for Jeremy Corbyn, but the only way to really change things is to get people together and get noticed. If the whole of Nottingham stopped paying tax, then they’d sit up and listen.

Madihah, 18

Occupation: A-level student

Constituency: Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill

Voting: SNP

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Madihah: ‘The education system here supports people like me.’ Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Observer

My ethnicity is Pakistani but I was born in Scotland. I feel England overpowers Scotland and if we were independent, even though it would be a big risk, somehow we’d pull through. I plan to study computer science and I’ll be applying to the Student Awards agency for Scotland for my tuition fees. My mother, a caretaker, is now too ill to work and my dad works in catering, so I’m from a low-income family. The education system here supports people like me. The way Nicola Sturgeon pushes education – that’s hope to me.

Oliver, 21

Occupation Hospitality management student

Constituency: City of Chester

Voting: Conservative

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Oliver: ‘I like Theresa May.’ Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer

I voted Leave in the EU referendum, which I was looked down on for by my fellow students. When you say you voted for Brexit, people think you’re a racist, but I did it because I want to own my own hospitality company one day and I want to be able to trade freely worldwide. The referendum definitely got me more into politics and making sure my voice is heard. I’m a swing voter, but I sway more to the Conservatives. I like Theresa May. I’m not a fan of Jeremy Corbyn at all. He is not a strong leader and he doesn’t have the backing of his party, but I do like some of Labour’s policies on students and the NHS.

Young people should vote because it’s about shaping the country they’re going to have to live in, bring their children up in and get a career in. A lot of students I know didn’t vote in the EU referendum and now they’re moaning that we’re leaving. Chester is one of the most marginal seats in the country, so your vote can make a massive difference.

Serena, 19

Occupation: Human sciences student

Constituency: Brentford and Isleworth

Voting: Probably Lib Dem

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Serena: ‘The Brexit issue is incredibly important.’ Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

I’m half-Indian and I would never vote for a party whose immigration policy is founded on xenophobia. I voted Remain and think the issue of Brexit is incredibly important in this election. I’m inclined towards the Lib Dems as I understand they’d be seeking a soft Brexit. I’ve been told that if I vote Lib-Dem it’s a wasted vote. But Brexit wasn’t on the table until recently, when people started voting Ukip. And then people’s priorities on that really changed things.

Isaac, 18

Occupation: A-level student

Constituency Nottingham East

Voting: Labour or Green

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Isaac: ‘Removing tuition fees is a primary concern.’ Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

I don’t agree with all the Green party’s policies – for example, I believe in keeping the nuclear deterrent – but in terms of energy and the environment I do. But Jeremy Corbyn has incorporated more green policies than any past leader and I live in a safe Labour seat, so I want to feel I haven’t wasted my vote. For my tastes, Corbyn is a bit naive. He was weak during the Brexit vote, but I admire his principles and he’s certainly stuck to his word. Removing tuition fees is a primary concern and nationalising the railways is a very good idea. It’s more environmentally friendly if people can afford to travel by rail, and we need an efficient railway to improve freight transportation, which will in turn help the environment.

Some people say that Labour poses a threat to the economy, but as I see it the Tory threat is far deeper and more insidious. Disability cuts, slowly privatising the NHS: these are things that will affect many more people over a long period of time. It’s leavers day at school tomorrow, and I’ve got a Theresa May outfit ready. I won’t describe it in full but it includes a dildo marked with the words “Hard Brexit”.

Jasmine, 23

Occupation: Hairdressing apprentice

Constituency: Brent Central

Voting: Labour

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jasmine: ‘I’m going to have to work very hard.’ Photograph: Katherine Anne Rose/The Observer

This is the first time I’ve voted. I used to think it made no difference but my mum explained that it’s one of those things where, if everyone thought like that, no one would vote. I’m most likely voting Labour. I just think that they relate more to someone like myself, to working people who are trying to create a life and build something for themselves. I come from a working-class family. I realised last year that hairdressing was the career path for me. I’m studying at LHAA [London Hairdressing Apprenticeship Academy] and working at a salon as an assistant. My goal is to be a hairdresser by the time I’m 25.I feel like if I want more in my life I’m going to have to work very hard. I know that when I finally have children, it’s not going to be easy. How do we know that in the future schools will still be free and the NHS will still be free?



Emily, 18

Occupation: Film and media studies student

Constituency: Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale

Voting: SNP (but wants to vote Green)

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Emily: ‘The Greens stick up for minority groups.’ Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Observer

I want to vote Green. I feel the party is much more citizen-centred in its policies and sticks up for minority groups and working people. That resonates with me because I’m a trans person who was assigned male at birth but now identifies as female. In the Scottish parliament, three of the party leaders have identified as LGBT and I think that makes the Scottish population more tolerant than the UK as a whole. That’s positive for me, but I feel the Green party is the most engaged, knowledgeable and passionate about societal issues. The fact that Patrick Harvie [co-convener of the Scottish Greens] is LGBT doesn’t mean I’d automatically vote for him, though. I vote for the policies rather than the person. Unfortunately, there’s no Green candidate in my constituency so I am going to have to vote SNP instead. I am for independence, but at the moment I feel we need to focus on running the country rather than getting out of the UK. I am not well off and things such as the NHS and education tuition fees are very important to me. Giving every person, no matter their income, equal opportunity is something I am passionate about.

Shivani, 19

Occupation: Sales assistant and student

Constituency: Derby North

Voting: Probably Labour

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Shivani: ‘I’m on the minimum wage, and it’s difficult.’ Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

I’ve considered a number of political parties. I like some of the Green party’s policies, but it just doesn’t seem practical. My mother and I even talked about Ukip for a while. I come from Manchester and I used to go to school in Oldham, where there’s a lot of extremism. You can understand how people become racist in those areas; even to us as Asians, some of what Ukip said about Islamist extremism made sense. In the end, though, I found that a lot of what they said was offensive – to women and to Asians. Because I’m brown, I occasionally get called “Paki”, which is stupid, because my parents are British-Indian. And I would never vote Tory. The NHS may not be perfect, but look at the US.

I disagree with them and Ukip on immigration. So I’ll probably vote Labour. I’m on the minimum wage now and it’s difficult, especially as a young person. I don’t understand why people over 25 should receive a higher minimum wage. Are they more deserving? I work just as hard as they do, the cost of living is the same for me as it is for them, in fact car insurance is more expensive. I think this generation is made to look stupid. I know there’s a lot of laziness among young people but it doesn’t take much effort to go online and read the manifestos.

Laney, 18

Occupation: Art student

Constituency: Rochdale

Voting: Probably Lib Dem

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Laney: ‘I feel I can trust Tim Farron.’ Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer

I wasn’t that interested in politics until this year, when I got involved with the youth leadership project Reclaim and campaigning for the rights of young people. That taught me how interesting it all is and how amazing it can be to be working for change. But most people in my college are just not interested. I couldn’t vote in the EU referendum, but I knew it was important. This time, I’ve been researching the parties and their manifestos. I’m leaning towards the Lib Dems. Tim Farron seems the most genuine to me. I like the fact that he’s from Preston and he sounds very confident when he speaks. I feel I can trust him. When people are young they often feel like they can do anything – be an astronaut if they wanted – but the government doesn’t take advantage of that. Young people are the future and if we don’t have a say in who runs the country then we’ll just be letting old people make important decisions on behalf of our generation.

Nauman, 20

Occupation: Biomedical sciences student

Constituency: Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough

Voting: Probably Labour

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Nauman: ‘I don’t really trust politicians.’ Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer

I’m not a very political person. I try to stay out of it because it’s so stressful. I often agree with one thing a politician says and then disagree with another. Sometimes, I feel like we should just give each party a year in government and see what happens. Well, maybe not Ukip, but everyone else. Because you never know what they’re going to do until they’re in power. The tuition fees thing was a big shock. The Lib Dems said they were going to get rid of them and then they increased them, so I don’t really trust politicians. I do like Jeremy Corbyn though, he’s a people person. A lot of Labour party people are people you can relate to, whereas the Conservatives don’t really connect with people. I’m probably just going to follow family tradition in June and vote Labour. Even though not many people like Jeremy Corbyn that much, everyone in Pitsmoor, the area I’m from, will vote Labour.

Stephen, 18

Occupation: Apprentice in fire and security engineering

Constituency: Glasgow North East

Voting: Green or Labour

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Stephen: ‘Corbyn looks like the kind of guy you could have a pint with.’ Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Observer

I always thought my vote didn’t matter in the big picture. It’s just one vote. But I will vote mainly because I have the right to – and not everyone in the world has that right. Growing up in a working-class family, it was always Labour we supported. Then as I got older, the SNP took over. For me, it’s got to be someone who cares and the Greens and Labour look like they care the most, and to be honest, the Greens seem the most legit, the most down to earth. The person who looks like they care least is Theresa May. Refusing to go on television debates – it’s just embarrassing. And the small stuff she’s supporting, like foxhunting! Why? I like Jeremy Corbyn. May is out talking to older people and Corbyn is talking to a London grime artist. He looks like the kind of guy you could have a pint with.

I don’t know when I will decide who to vote for – maybe on the day itself – but I think Trident will be the deciding factor. The Greens are against it but I’m not. On the other hand, anyone who says the thought of Trident doesn’t bother them has to be lying. You look around the world and you see Kim Jon-un and Putin and Trump and it scares you, big time.

Cameron, 18

Occupation: Sports development student

Constituency: Ross, Skye and Lochaber

Voting: Conservative

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Cameron: ‘I like Ruth Davidson. She stands up to Nicola Sturgeon.’ Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Observer

Immigration is a concern for me. I don’t want to sound racist… I don’t mind immigrants coming in if they’re going to work, but it’s when they come in and sponge off everyone. That’s not me generalising, I know they are not all like that. It’s not so much issues in my constituency that concern me, but the country as a whole. That’s why I am thinking of voting Tory. I like Ruth Davidson. She stands up to Nicola Sturgeon. Sturgeon has been failing Scotland, pushing for a second referendum instead of concentrating on what needs fixed in Scotland, such as education and the NHS and other public services.

Dylan, 18

Occupation: A-level student

Constituency: Derby South

Voting: Labour

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Dylan ‘I love Jeremy Corbyn.’ Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

My entire family votes Labour, but I don’t think that has anything to do with my decision. I believe in a free NHS, free education and scrapping the nuclear deterrent. Tuition fees have reached £9,250 now; that’s ridiculous and it means education has become a commodity. The same thing is happening with the NHS. I love Jeremy Corbyn, he’s a great guy. Some people say he’s not a strong leader, but those people haven’t seen him give a speech. I’m surprised when people say his policies are too radical. Renationalising the railways, for example: I can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t agree with that.

I think the voting age should be lowered to 16, but only if there’s mandatory political education in schools. I’m studying to be an actor next year, and that’s an example of an industry that has become closed to people without money – the Tories don’t see the benefit of investment in the arts.

Joseph, 19

Occupation: Psychology student

Constituency: Sheffield Hallam

Voting: Undecided between Conservative and Labour

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Joseph: ‘I prefer Labour’s policies, but Theresa May’s leadership.’ Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer

I’d definitely describe myself as politically engaged. My family would get the Guardian every weekend and I really wanted to be part of the conversation. At university, it’s easy to find engaged people, but a lot of my friends who do apprenticeships, for example, aren’t as interested. I’m involved in an independent charity, Sheffield Futures, which aims to improve opportunities for young people in the city, and I think it’s really important that young people get involved in politics. In the local elections, I voted Lib Dem, but since then I’ve looked into Tim Farron’s voting record on gay marriage and I’ll not vote for them again. When it comes to the general election, I am torn: I prefer Labour policies, but I prefer Theresa May’s leadership. I’ve spoken to a lot of people in a similar position. Most, it seems, will reluctantly vote Labour.

Georgie, 18

Occupation: A-level student

Constituency: Derby North

Voting: Conservative

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Georgie: ‘We’re in such a conservative world now.’ Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

I’m probably voting Tory, not for Theresa May in particular, but for the policies. I would have voted Remain last year, but I wasn’t old enough then. I don’t have any confidence in leaving the EU, perhaps because I study modern history, but since the Tories were the instigators, it makes sense they should take charge. At least there’s some strength and stability with the Tories; they seem to have a clear plan of action. I think with a less stable government, there’s more risk of not getting the things we want and need when we exit the EU.

I don’t appreciate the disorganisation of the Labour party. The leaked manifesto, scrapping tuition fees, it sounds nice, but I doubt they’d have the power to do it. Jeremy Corbyn obviously has plans to turn the party into old Labour again, but we’re in such a conservative world now - with Trump and Brexit - I can’t see it working. My family is more Labour-leaning – there are going to be some interesting dinner conversations, I think!

Ethan, 19

Occupation: A-level student

Constituency: Crewe and Nantwich

Voting: Labour

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Ethan: ‘Politicians actually need to give us something to vote for.’ Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer

There’s a massive divide between over-40s and under-40s. There isn’t a lot of hope for younger people with poor job opportunities, low wages, student debt and rising house prices. The older generation enjoyed free education, good pensions, and they could buy houses at a reasonable price. A lot of people blame the young for not turning out to vote, but politicians actually need to give you something to vote for. Corbyn is the first leader of a political party who is actually addressing the concerns of younger people. I’m really excited about what is on offer this time.

James, 21

Occupation: Psychology student

Constituency: Hampstead and Kilburn

Voting: Conservative

Facebook Twitter Pinterest James: ‘Mental health is an important issue for me because of my experiences.’ Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

I did vote for Brexit, although it was a hard decision. I view the EU as fundamentally flawed, but so do a lot of people I know who voted Remain. Nothing in particular has swung me to the Conservatives; it has always been the party I have related to most and the Conservatives are the only choice to lead us through the Brexit negotiations. Having said that, if I don’t see positive change in mental health care by the next election, they’ll be losing my vote. Mental health is an important issue for me because of my experiences. The state of mental health care in this country at the moment is absolutely shocking.

Sara, 18

Occupation: A-level student

Constituency: Hornsey and Wood Green

Voting: Probably Labour

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Sara: ‘People feel betrayed and upset about the Labour party’s antisemitism.’ Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

I’m Orthodox Jewish and, ideologically, I am a Labour supporter, but a lot of people in my community really hate the Labour party at the moment, and I don’t blame them to be honest. Historically the Labour party, especially during the second world war, was very much for the Jewish people and the marginalised in society. Now people feel betrayed and upset about the party’s antisemitism. Ken Livingstone’s comments really hurt. And the way Labour then dealt with Livingstone set them back five paces. It’s played a massive role in how people see the party but right now I would probably still vote for Catherine West, my local Labour candidate. I trust her and the things she’s done so far have been great. But it’s very tight between Labour and Lib Dem in my constituency. If it were any other [Labour] leader I’d be more decisive.