Councils like Bedford borough must “commit” to boosting voter engagement ahead of the next local elections, a leading democracy expert has warned.
In January, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) published its report Modernising Elections: How to Get Voters Back, which highlighted widening voter turnout gaps in general elections—particularly between graduates and non-graduates, as well as homeowners and renters.
While the report focused on national elections, voter turnout also declined in the 2023 local elections.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) asked Bedford Borough Council if it had begun preparations for the 2027 elections, specifically whether initiatives were planned to encourage participation among young voters and first-time voters.
A council spokesperson referenced a 2023 election review published in March 2024, which primarily focused on improving election logistics.
The review indirectly addressed voter turnout through measures such as raising awareness of Voter ID requirements, improving the accuracy of the electoral register, and enhancing polling station accessibility.
However, it lacked a specific, comprehensive strategy aimed directly at boosting voter participation.
The LDRS approached Unlock Democracy, a pressure group advocating for a more participatory democracy in the UK.
Director Tom Brake, who acknowledged he couldn’t comment specifically on Bedford Borough Council, said: “Around half the country didn’t vote at last year’s General Election and that’s something we should be worried about in our democracy.
“And local elections have far lower turnout than that.”
Trust in politics at all-time low
Mr Brake called for “real reforms,” including introducing a new voting system for local elections to better reflect voters’ views, lowering the voting age to 16, and simplifying voter registration.
“In the meantime, councils like Bedford must commit to engaging more effectively with voters ahead of 2027, including running regular voter registration drives.
“[But] they will need more support from central government to succeed,” he said.
Brake also emphasized that improving voting methods is only part of the solution.
“Trust in politics is at an all-time low,” he said.
“We need to see better standards in our politics, more genuine engagement with voters.
“And above all more honesty on all sides. Unless that is addressed, we fear we will continue to see low turnouts and the damage that does to our democracy moving forward.”
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
