Was 2024 the Worst UK General Election?

The 2024 UK General Election saw a significant drop in voter turnout and a reevaluation of voter perception across the main political parties. This article delves into the reasons behind such a low turnout, focusing on the performance of the Tory, Liberal Democrat, SNP, and Labour parties. We'll also explore the impact of political factors and voter disillusionment.

Low Turnout in the 2024 UK General Election

2024 marked a low point in UK voter turnout, with only slightly above 59% of eligible voters participating in the election. This was notably lower than the 2019 and 2017 elections. The effectiveness of the Conservative (Tories) party, once a dominant force, was significantly diminished, partly due to an incompetent and corrupt government that embarrassed even its most loyal supporters. The insurgent far-right party, successful in its marketing strategy, won five seats, a significant upset in a traditionally conservative region.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) also faced a substantial drop in their support, reducing from 45 to 30% of the Scottish vote and losing a considerable number of seats. This was attributed to scandals and the frequent change in leadership, which may have discouraged those who advocate for Scottish independence.

Labour experienced a significant shift in strategy, focusing on maximizing seat counts rather than votes. They won a substantial majority in seats with just 33.7% of the total votes. In contrast, the Liberal Democrats saw a notable increase in both votes and seats, highlighting the effectiveness of their targeted campaigning.

Reasons for Low Voter Turnout

Multifaceted reasons contributed to the low turnout in 2024:

1. Perception of No Realistic Change

Many voters felt that the main parties represented the same policies and were unlikely to bring about significant change. This sentiment is often summarized as the "two cheeks of the same arse" argument, suggesting a lack of differentiation among main parties and a perception of futility in voting.

2. Lack of EU Re-Entry as a Viable Choice

Unlike in previous elections, there was no serious choice involving potential re-entry into the EU, which may have contributed to the perceived irrelevance of the election to some voters.

3. Incessant Opinion Polling

Continuous opinion polling that suggested the result was not in doubt may have discouraged voters from feeling their vote mattered. This sentiment is particularly strong among the Labour party's base, where a sense of voter suppression was palpable.

4. Disengagement from the Political Process

A disconnection from the political process in general is evident. Political parties have diminished their social and youth organizations in constituencies, leading to fewer volunteers and door-to-door canvassing. This disengagement has reduced voter engagement and participation.

5. Fragmentation and Media Abandonment

Media fragmentation and a decline in traditional news media have also affected voter turnout. Many people no longer rely on news media to understand national life, leading to a disconnection from political discourse.

6. Photo ID Requirements

The requirement for photo ID, while designed to enhance electoral integrity, can be a significant barrier for younger voters. This policy is often seen as unnecessary and inconvenient, further reducing voter turnout.

Conclusion

2024 was indeed a significant low point in UK voter turnout, with several factors contributing to this outcome. Understanding these factors can help future elections increase voter engagement and ensure a more representative democratic process.