Influences on Voting behaviour

1. Influences on Voting behaviour

2. Essay Questions • To what extent does the media have the power to influence voters? • Social class remains a major influence in elections. Discuss. • To what extent are the factors that influence voting inter-related?

3. Background on Voting Behaviour • Stability in voting patterns between 1945 – 1970 • Domination by two parties. Third parties less than 10% vote share • More votes for LibDems in the 1970s • Voting patterns more volatile and less predictable - “partisan dealignment”

4. Social ClassClass is the basis for all politics (Pulzer) • A factor in voting patterns along with race , gender, age, the media, location and issues • Traditionally, voters in classes A, B and C1 voted Conservative, while C2, D and E (working classes) voted Labour • However, working class occupations were disappearing in the 1980s to be replaced by increasing middle classes • Labour lost traditional working class support • Conservatives and LibDems attracted more working class vote • New Labour dropped some policies that appealed to the working class (nationalisation and union support) • By 2001, only 9% of voters thought Labour working class party • Social class is no longer reliable predictor of voting patterns

5. Age • Conservatives popular among the over 50s; younger and first time voters vote Labour • This trend has continued during the last 4 general elections • Older voters more likely to be conservatives, whereas younger voters concerned with health and education • Older voters less likely to change party alignment • Issues affect different age groups - issues concerning the young most differ from general voting public • Young voters are less likely to vote and less interested in politics. This could be the key to future elections.

6. Gender • In the 1950s and 60s more men voted Labour and women Conservatives. WHY? • By 2001 election, no significant gender difference • In 2005, slightly more women than men voted Labour. Women were critical to Labour’s success as 38% of women voted Labour (Mori) • School Gate Mum (new working class or professional middle class) is sought after by all the parties as she is very likely to vote • However, some argue that gender appears not to have a significant effect on voting behaviour

7. Race

8. Religion

9. Location • Regional variations in voting patterns • Conservatives dominate SE England; Labour strong in Midlands, Northern England and Scotland • The North south divide has shifted further south as labour dominated London after 1997 • Four party contest in Scotland • Wales dominated by Labour • SW England controlled by Cons, with labour in 3rd. • Geographical differences might be due to class loyalties – Labour is strongest where working class are concentrated (Central Belt, Scotland). Conservatives in affluent middle class areas.

10. Issues

11. Image / personality

12. Party affiliation • Linked to ‘de-alignment’ theory • ‘Floating voters’ have a significant impact on elections • 13% of voters were undecided in the week before election in 2005; 36% were willing to change their mind • Party affiliation is less important than influence of policies and leaders (personalities) • Voters are increasingly likely to change their minds • Other factors appear much more important