Postal vote ‘inaction’ risks disenfranchising young voters

Labour has warned the government that it risks disenfranchising millions of younger voters because of ‘inaction’ over encouraging them to sign up for postal votes ahead of next month’s local elections.

With a large portion of young people unlikely to have been offered a coronavirus vaccine by 7 May, Labour has said that ministers should step in and support councils’ efforts to increase postal vote registrations so more people can vote safely from home.

According to an analysis by Labour using internal party data, less than 10 per cent of young people aged between 18 and 25 are registered for a postal vote — compared to more than a quarter of those over 65 in most regions.

Cat Smith, the Shadow Minister for Young People, said: “The Tories must take responsibility for the staggering low levels of postal vote sign-ups among young people. The Conservatives’ indifference to making the May elections Covid-safe threatens our democracy.

“After the devastating year they’ve had, young people must have their voices heard at this election. Young people have played a central role in our country’s response to this crisis, with many volunteering to support the most vulnerable in our communities and fighting as key workers on the front line to protect our workers.”

The Cabinet Office said in February that £31 million would be made available to directly address costs for local authorities associated with making the elections Covid-secure.