BBC News, South West
BBCThousands of young people in Devon and Cornwall will be eligible to vote for the first time in the upcoming local elections – but many say they will not.
According to a 2025 electoral commission report, only 45% of people aged 11 to 25 say they are interested in UK politics.
With the upcoming local elections on 1 May, the BBC spoke to some students at Duchy College in Stoke Climsland.
Rebecca Gill, 18 from St Austell, said she had not had enough information to vote.
“I’m at the age now where I should be researching, but I’m just not that interested in politics.
“I feel like we should be treated properly – it seems like the rich are getting richer and the poor are just staying poor.”
Sam Bowles, 18 from Torrington, said he was undecided ahead of polling day.
“I’m just trying to weigh up the options, look at who would be best for my area and even who comes and speaks to me the most really.
“We haven’t got any younger people closer to our generation speaking out in the government – it would be nice if we could be heard.”
He added: “Social media definitely has an impact, the algorithm looks at what you like and prescribes the best political party to you.”
‘Not really interested’
Harley Harris, 18 from Okehampton, said he did not think he would vote.
He said: “I haven’t really put much thought to it.
“I think through teaching, colleges or even secondary schools would be good to get the idea to us about voting.
“I’m not really interested in going out of my way to research it, so it would be good if there was a way that social media can get the message [to vote] across to us.”
Jack Newton, 18 from Ivybridge, said he felt he knew more about the general election than local elections.
“I will research and look into who’s who,” he added.
“I think a lot of people don’t know who they are going to vote for but also a lot of people just aren’t interested in politics.
“I feel like when it comes to local elections – young people don’t get as much attention, I don’t know why but I feel its so important to find a solution to reoccurring issues like that.”
