Jo Swinson calls on Parliament to encourage young voters

8.59.00pm GMT Mon 12th Dec 2005

Jo is encouraging more young people to vote

Jo Swinson MP has called on her fellow MPs to be more active in encouraging young people to participate in politics.

Jo put forward a motion today applauding the '2009 Project', an initiative to get young people involved in politics. The motion also expresses concern at falling political participation among the young and urges colleagues to encourage young people to vote.

Commenting on the motion, Jo said:"It is vital that all age groups are represented in Parliament. At the moment this is not the case, in fact only two MPs in Parliament are under the age of 30.

"Voter turnout among young people is currently low, and falling. Research by MORI at the 2001 general election estimated that just 39% of 18-24 year olds cast a vote. In 2005, this figure fell to 37%. The decline of political participation among young people is a complex problem, and one that cannot be ignored."

The 2009 project aims to get every eligible person under 35 to vote at the next general election, based on a likely general election date of 7th May 2009. Anyone born after 7th May 1974 can pledge to vote at the 2009 election online at: www.the2009project.com. Jo Swinson has already made the pledge, and wants others to do the same.

Commenting on the 2009 project, Jo said: "The 2009 project is a great way to encourage young people to vote. Although very few of my Parliamentary colleagues will be under 35 in 2009, this motion calls on them to declare their support for the 2009 project, and encourage the under 35s in their constituency to cast their vote at the next election."

Text of Early Day Motion - The 2009 Project: Make the Pledge

That this House applauds the 2009 Project which aims to engage young people in politics by calling for all those under the age of 35 at the next election to pledge to vote; recognises with concern the downward trend in voter participation at General Elections of those under 35; and calls on honourable Members to support the project's objective and encourage their younger constituents to pledge to vote.

Related Link:

Link to Evening Times article on this story (Mon 12 Dec)