A sign reads, 'general election 2024', with the Elizabeth Tower visible in the background

Half of us: Turnout patterns at the 2024 general election

Article

One-half of adults in this country voted at the 2024 general election, the lowest share of the population to vote since universal suffrage.

This report takes a first look at who spoke in the 2024 UK general election. By linking election turnout results to demographic data from the 2021 census, we document patterns of turnout by age distribution, housing tenure, ethnic background and religion at the constituency level.

We consider the implications this might have on policy and politics in the years ahead and put forward policy recommendations to improve electoral participation.

You might also like ...

  1. Dramatic high-angle drone photograph of decommissioned oil platforms anchored in the Cromarty Firth, near Invergordon, Scotland, as the sun sets over a calm North Sea

    Allies for delivery: Rebuilding faith in Scottish politics via the North Sea

    Can Scottish politicians still build enough of a consensus to deliver meaningful change for disillusioned voters?
  2. A busy high street in Kingston-upon-Thames, London. Shoppers walking beneath multi-coloured bunting

    Bricks vs clicks: The case for an online sales tax

    It's time to rethink how we tax retail.
  3. A pound coin sits on top of a newspaper showing an image of a line graph

    Cost of living, economic growth and stability: How to make this autumn budget a success

    In the autumn budget the chancellor can take three steps towards improving people's living standards.