94% Registered to Vote: Will Students Unite Europe?
We've heard about older generations and their preferences, but what about the young? With 94% registered to vote, could students hold the key to the EU referendum?
As the campaign for the EU referendum enters its last few days, a new poll suggests that the majority of students wish to stay in the EU.
94% of students have registered
71% in student poll want the UK to stay in the European Union
88% concerned with the outcome either way
60% think leaving will hurt them financially
1.83 million students in the UK (HESA, 2015)
Referendum this Thursday
A survey carried out by savethestudent.org found that 71% of students side with the Remain campaign, with 94% having registered to vote.
Students are tired of the campaigns
It seems that students do not have much time for the main-stream political campaigns. Both sides of the debate have been condemned over the last few days because of the negative, 'fear-based' campaigning used by both sides. Only 10% of students think that the campaigns have been clear and fair, whilst 88% say they are concerned by the outcome of the referendum either way.
What matters to students?
Neither the fears of rising immigration nor those of the steadily tightening grip of the EU appear to be the main issues of concern for young members of society. It is the possibility of "low-cost trade, funding for students and job opportunities" that is convincing many of the benefits of the EU. With student debt on the rise, it is perhaps unsurprising that these and other economic issues are weighing heavily on the minds of students. 61% of those surveyed believe that they will be financially worse off if we leave, both as students and young professionals.
Why are they concerned?
Students are worried that their voices may be drowned out by older generations. One stated that "our generation already have enough set against us, we don't need racist irrational members of the older generation voting out on a whim which will ultimately make little difference to their lives, but could seriously damage our own."Owen Burek, Chief Editor of Save the Student, encourages students "to speak up and be counted at political crossroads". He offers a rallying cry to all students that "it's your future that's being decided. If you've registered... make sure your voice gets heard - vote on June 23rd!"
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