4.2 Young people are less likely to be registered to vote

Being registered to vote is the first step to taking part in elections – but young people are statistically less likely to be on the electoral register than older age groups.

According to Electoral Commission data:

• Only 60% of 18–19 year olds were registered
• This compares to over 90% of people aged 65+

There are several practical reasons for this:

• Young people are more likely to move frequently, for study, work, or housing reasons – and registration doesn’t move with you.
• Shared accommodation or student housing can make it unclear who is responsible for registering
• Some young people may assume they are already registered, or may not be aware they need to register individually
• Registration requires a National Insurance number and a stable address, which can be a barrier for some.

This isn’t about motivation or interest – many young people are engaged with political and social issues. But logistical barriers and lack of clear information can get in the way of participation.
Practitioners can play a key role by helping young people understand how and when to register, and by making the process feel straightforward and accessible.