Renewing democratic engagement: exploratory research

The overall aim of the research was to understand how best to engage with newly enfranchised groups of voters in devolved elections in Wales – and those who are already entitled to vote but are politically disengaged – to inform these groups of their rights and promote democratic participation and engagement.

Main findings

• Younger people and foreign nationals were more likely than disengaged adults to show an interest in voting in local elections.
• A lack of knowledge, finding politics confusing and unappealing and general disillusionment were key engagement barriers.
• Foreign nationals were sometimes uncertain about voting rights for different elections in the UK.
• Participants cared about the communities in which they lived but it tended to be unclear how to raise an issue.
• Knowing more, feeling listened to, and knowing participation can make a difference were key themes from participants’ suggestions for improving engagement.