1. Influences on Voting behaviour

2. Essay Questions
To what extent does the media have the power to influence voters?
Social class remains a major influence in elections. Discuss.
To what extent are the factors that influence voting inter-related?

3. Background on Voting Behaviour
Stability in voting patterns between 1945 – 1970
Domination by two parties. Third parties less than 10% vote share
More votes for LibDems in the 1970s
Voting patterns more volatile and less predictable - “partisan dealignment”

4. Social Class Class is the basis for all politics (Pulzer)
A factor in voting patterns along with race , gender, age, the media, location and issues
Traditionally, voters in classes A, B and C1 voted Conservative, while C2, D and E (working classes) voted Labour
However, working class occupations were disappearing in the 1980s to be replaced by increasing middle classes
Labour lost traditional working class support
Conservatives and LibDems attracted more working class vote
New Labour dropped some policies that appealed to the working class (nationalisation and union support)
By 2001, only 9% of voters thought Labour working class party
Social class is no longer reliable predictor of voting patterns

5. Age
Conservatives popular among the over 50s; younger and first time voters vote Labour
This trend has continued during the last 4 general elections
Older voters more likely to be conservatives, whereas younger voters concerned with health and education
Older voters less likely to change party alignment
Issues affect different age groups - issues concerning the young most differ from general voting public
Young voters are less likely to vote and less interested in politics. This could be the key to future elections.

6. Gender
In the 1950s and 60s more men voted Labour and women Conservatives. WHY?
By 2001 election, no significant gender difference
In 2005, slightly more women than men voted Labour. Women were critical to Labour’s success as 38% of women voted Labour (Mori)
School Gate Mum (new working class or professional middle class) is sought after by all the parties as she is very likely to vote
However, some argue that gender appears not to have a significant effect on voting behaviour

7. Race

8. Religion

9. Location Regional variations in voting patterns
Conservatives dominate SE England; Labour strong in Midlands, Northern England and Scotland
The North south divide has shifted further south as labour dominated London after 1997
Four party contest in Scotland
Wales dominated by Labour
SW England controlled by Cons, with labour in 3rd.
Geographical differences might be due to class loyalties – Labour is strongest where working class are concentrated (Central Belt, Scotland). Conservatives in affluent middle class areas.

10. Issues

11. Image / personality

12. Party affiliation Linked to ‘de-alignment’ theory
‘Floating voters’ have a significant impact on elections
13% of voters were undecided in the week before election in 2005; 36% were willing to change their mind
Party affiliation is less important than influence of policies and leaders (personalities)
Voters are increasingly likely to change their minds
Other factors appear much more important