Local election turnout lowest in a decade

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Voter turnout was disappointingly low in Rochdale on 3 May as almost 70% of people did not vote.

The overall turnout in 2018 was 31.25%, the lowest figure in a decade, and 5% below the highest turnout for a local election in 2011.

211 ballots were spoiled this year, just 0.4% of the total received.

Turnouts of over 40% – the highest in the borough – were recorded in Bamford (42.3%) and Central (44.6%), whereas the lowest were in West Middleton and West Heywood, with both wards just 22.4%.

Other wards recording very low turnouts were North Heywood (23.5%) and Balderstone and Kirkholt (23.7%).

Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd says this is reflective across the nation.

He said: “I think what is obvious is the turnout. I think this is a national thing, with it being significantly down, which is a shame as it suggests people are getting a little bit fed up walking to the polling station.

“Of course, democracy does matter, and democracy suffers if people don’t turn out, so that side is disappointing.

“Without a lively political debate, you get a lot of the public who don’t realise there’s an election on. One of my big complaints with the national media is they are very London-focused; you’d know there are elections on there. Sometimes our national media can do a little bit more to recognises that places do exist, like Rochdale.

“Very often it’s local issues that people want to talk to you about, the state of the roads, education, what is happening in the local health service. Some of these are things we can do better at local level.

“Your vote does count and your vote actually decides whether it’s somebody who you think is up to the job, or if you don’t vote, someone in your view, not up to the job. Your vote does matter.

“Do come out and vote: it makes a difference for your house, your family, your street and your community.

“With the general election 12 months ago, we saw a massive upsurge, particularly amongst younger people voting and that was really good.  Maybe we need to do more in our schools.

“The only way we’ll change the world is if you’re prepared to help us change it.”

"Whilst people may feel disheartened that their vote will not change anything, that is not always the case.

"During the referendum, some voters stated on record that they had voted to leave the EU as they hadn’t thought their vote would make a difference to Brexit. Despite exit polls predicting Britain would vote to remain, Leave won with 52% of the vote.

"Famous physician Albert Einstein is credited with the quote, 'The true definition of madness is repeating the same action over and over, hoping for a different result'.

"Regardless of whether Einstein actually uttered these infamous words, no statement rings truer in politics.  

"In Rochdale, silence truly is deafening as the voice of the unspoken shouts the loudest: over two-thirds of the borough did not vote this year.

"Despite this, now the ballots have been counted with minimal difference to the council, many residents will complain things will not change.

"Nothing can change if people do not speak. By not voting, you are saying what happens doesn’t matter and your voice can change everything.

"If you’re not happy with the politics, vote for change and difference. Exercise your right and support those who you think will make the biggest difference to your town.

"Use your voice; use your vote."