Attitudes to voting in elections 1991-2011

This statistic shows the attitude of the Great British public to the importance of voting in general elections from 1991 to 2011. In 2011, 16 percent of people said it is not really worth voting. This political disengagement is the latest figure in a growing trend, having doubled from 1991 to 2011. The majority of people though, despite a 6 percent drop, believe that it is everyone's duty to vote.

Which of the following statements comes closest to your views about general elections? In a general election...

Characteristic	It's not really worth voting	People should only vote if they care who wins	It's everyone's duty to vote
2011	16%	21%	62%
2010	18%	20%	61%
2009	17%	23%	58%
2008	18%	23%	56%
2005	12%	23%	64%
2004	12%	27%	60%
2001	11%	23%	65%
2000	11%	24%	64%
1998	8%	26%	65%
1996	8%	26%	64%
1994	9%	21%	68%
1991	8%	24%	68%

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Release date

September 2013

More information

Region

United Kingdom (Great Britain)

Survey time period

1998 to 2011

Number of respondents

n (latest survey) = 1,890 (weighted)

Age group

18+

Method of interview

Computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI)

Supplementary notes

* Number of respondents:
2011: n = 1,890 (weighted); 2010: n = 930 (weighted); 2009: n = 1,022 (weighted); 2008: n = 1,007 (weighted); ); 2005: n = 1,732 (weighted); 2004: n = 2,610 (weighted); 2001: n = 2,821 (weighted); 2000: n = 2,015 (weighted); 1998: n = 1,657 (weighted);1996: n = 993 (weighted); 1994: n = 986 (weighted); 1991: n = 1,207 (weighted)
Due to the effects of rounding and weighting, percentages will not always add to 100 percent.

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