Election 2005: turnout. How many, who and why?
From Democracywiki
In October the Electoral Commission published its report on turnout in the General Election and in particular explored some of the patterns in turnout in 2005 and some of the possible reasons for these.
Key findings include that:-
- Just over 17million of those registered to vote chose not to do so
- Although turnout increased slightly compared to 2001 it was still 10% and 5 million voters lower than it was in 1997
- Contact with political parties and politicians between elections as well as in the campaign is an important factor in shaping peoples attitudes to politics and whether they vote.
The Report also cited the work that the New Politics Network carried out with Dr Justin Fisher on behalf of the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust. General Election 2005 – what the voters saw analysed both the quality and quantity of literature delivered by the parties in Great Britain during the General Election campaign. 313 volunteers in 223 constituencies recorded every contact they received from political parties. They collected 3,459 letters and leaflets as well as logging all doorstep contacts and telephone calls. This is the largest study of General Election campaigning material in British history.
More information about the General Election 2005 – what the voters saw pamphlet can be found here
Election 2005: turnout. How many, who and why? can be downloaded from the Electoral Commisison's website
