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. Union Jack flag and the Stars and Stripes flag of the USA, fluttering together in front of Big Ben in Westminster

    It's the cost of living, stupid: Why progressives lose and win

    UK households are impatient for change. Trust in our political system is low and that’s reflected in scepticism across the board that government can make things better. 

  2. Getting the child poverty strategy we need: A co-produced agenda for change

    The UK government has a time-limited opportunity to make a decisive difference to child poverty in its upcoming strategy. 

  3. Not yet settled? Assessing the government’s new policy on indefinite leave to remain

    This month’s white paper represented the most significant shake-up in immigration policy since Brexit.