These shocking figures show prospect of a generation missing out on the right to vote

Last week, Ed Miliband criticised the Government after it was established that 1 million people have fallen off the electoral register over the past year. From previous studies and anecdotal evidence, we knew that this drop off would disproportionately affect young people and students. Now, figures are emerging suggesting the situation is even worse than we first thought, with the prospect of a generation missing out on the right to vote.

In Liverpool, the number of ‘attainers’ – those who are just turning of age to vote – has fallen from 2,300 in 2013 to an astonishing low of just 76 after the introduction of Individual Electoral Registration (IER). As people reached their 17th birthday, it used to be the case that parents and family members would register them. The new system means youngsters will have to register individually. But many simply aren’t aware of the change and will drift towards the next election and beyond unable to vote.

For those of us who despair at the disconnect between the public and our politics, these latest figures will be utterly depressing. Imagine a keen youngster, eager to have their voice heard, turning up on polling day only to be told they are not on the register. This is the fate that may await hundreds of thousands of first time voters unless we all act now.

This must include the Government. For all the warm words and promises of extra money for local government, we need central Government to take responsibility and take action. Its time for emergency legislation to implement the schools’ initiative, a policy that more than doubled the number of young people on the register in Northern Ireland.

Our election is a matter of weeks away now. We need to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to have their voice heard.