Age and Voting Behaviour
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Age has become an increasingly important predictor of voting behaviour in recent UK elections.
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Younger voters (18-24) are much more likely to support Labour, the Greens, or the Liberal Democrats.
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Older voters (65+) are much more likely to support the Conservative Party.
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The age divide has widened in recent years, with the 2017 and 2019 general elections showing a clear generational split.
Why Does Age Matter?
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Policy preferences: Younger voters tend to prioritise issues like climate change, education, and social justice. Older voters may focus more on pensions, the NHS, and immigration. This is not to say that all young people or all older people think the same way, but these trends are seen in aggregate data.
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Economic position: Younger people are more likely to be in education, renting, or in an insecure financial position. Economically left leaning parties appeal to these voters through targeted policies such as promises of affordable housing. Older people are more likely to own property and be retired. They may prefer parties that promise lower taxes or stability.
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Turnout: Older voters are much more likely to vote than younger voters. This gives them disproportionate influence on election outcomes. Here is how to sign up to vote: Register to Vote.
