According to the poll, only one in five first-time voters say they are certain to vote in the next general election. Some 45 per cent say they are not interested in learning about how the British political system works. Although nine out of 10 recognised a picture of Tony Blair, only 25 per cent recognised Iain Duncan Smith, and 18 per cent Charles Kennedy.
"Young people often criticise politicians' failure to communicate effectively, or even at all, with their age group," said an NYA statement. "With voter apathy increasing and declining levels of turnout by the electorate as a whole, particularly in local elections, wouldn't it make sense to engage a sector of the population who want their voice heard? If we expect young people to contribute to a society, then we should give them a voice in that society."
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