British General Elections Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

British General Elections - Essay ExampleYet Brynin and Newton call down an interesting particular that people whose political ideals and attitudes are compatible with the newspaper they read are more than likely to voting than people whose attitudes are considerably cross pressured or go against their own. The study points forbidden that the effects of the newspaper in determining voter choices is significant though not too deep and newspapers effects seem to be greater for penny-pinchingly fought preferences as that in 1992 than in 1997. Newspaper effects are even high for Labour reinforced political support than for conservative reinforced. The study highlights the fact that newspapers do have a statistically significant effect in determining political demeanour of the voters although the influence of newspapers is more conspicuous during close election results rather than in landslide victories. The study besides focuses on the fact that the Conservative press dominate d daily circulation in Britain from 1945-1992 and this may have helped the company to win elections continually and remain in power. The role of the press in voter decision devising process and in consequent determination of election results could be considered as significant especially for close elections and voter turn forbidden is determined by the newspapers and the impact that the news reports has on the electorate. The fact that there has been a decline in electorate turnout in the present British elections has raised concerns and Rallings and Thrasher (2003) point out that poor voter turnout is a long feature in British politics. They discuss the recent reforms and electoral arrangements that have attempted to encourage higher voter participation by reducing cost of voting although the effects of these reforms may not be complete if the voters do not comprehend the appraise of their own voting contri howeverions to the development of the community or the nation. Thus it is important for the electorate to perceive the importance of their vote in shaping the nation and its future and this may be the single most important cistron in increasing voter turnout. Rallings and Thrasher point out that the electors who vote in general elections but not in local contests may be more affected by changes and commitment to local community needs and concerns would help to counter voter apathy. The election results and outcomes regarding winning of elections would be important as a mobilising tool as when local elections seem to bring about changes within the local community, consequently possibly there will be less apathy for the elections and voter turnouts will increase. The turnout to the British general elections of 1997 was at 71% which caused concerns about the long term scenario of political participation in the country. Pattie and Johnston (2001) cater a political analysis of voter turnout and suggest that there was rapid decline in turnout during the 19 50 through 1970 although there has been no long term decline in general election turnout between 1974 and 1997. According to the analysis, close