The Big Contradiction
In a recent survey by the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust it was found that:

• 63% of those that took part in the survey believe the present system of government could be
  improved a lot/ a great deal.
• 90% believe that ordinary voters should have a great deal of influence on the government (but only
  33% believe that this is actually the case).
• 55% believe that the country is becoming less democratic
  Why then did only
• 40% of the electorate take the opportunity to vote in the 2004 elections?
  and only
• 61% involve themselves in choosing the UK government in the 2005 general election?

Apathy or Disaffection?
Ask anyone about the decline in voting and they will respond with one word 'Apathy'. But this explanation can only
take us so far:

Though [young voters] have well formed opinions on, and are well able to discuss issues.they have little patience
with political debate which seems to occupy a different universe to the one they inhabit. It should not be assumed
that this group are apathetic. They have strong opinions and often feel passionately about public service delivery
issues that impact on their life and work. However, the do not make the connection between their personal
dissatisfaction with a particular aspect of public life, and participating in the traditional political processes as a way
of expressing that dissatisfaction, or seeking a solution to these problems.

Electoral Commission (2003)

A form of Social Exclusion?
Is non-participation in local democracy a form of social exclusion? Well, if a large percentage of the population
either exclude themselves, or feel excluded, from the mechanisms by which their views can be represented; if those
who, for whatever reason, are denied the opportunities and quality of life that many of us take for granted, also feel
unable to influence the decisions that affect them most - how can it be anything but Social Exclusion?

Looking further than the ballot box!
Real democracy isn't just about turning up and voting. It is about the decisions we make when choosing who to vote
for. It is about ensuring our representatives know our views. It is about taking a critical perspective on the political
information we receive and then deciding how to act upon it. Ultimately it is about making democracy something that
we do and not something that is done to us!