All these initiatives seemed to have resulted in a measurable effect. In the 2000 Presidential election, 42.3% of the 18-24 age group voted. In 2004, the figure rose to almost 52%.

There are already signs that the UK has learned from the American Porn Reviews model. MTV UK has sponsored ‘Votes Are Power’, a group that promotes voting and celebrities such as Rio Ferdinand and Coldplay have attempted to get young people involved in issues that they have traditionally been interested in like racism and the environment.

A report on young people’s political engagement “YVote?/YNot?” has recently been commissioned by the government, finding that they were put off by complex language they didn’t understand and wanted better citizenship education in schools to help them learn more about how the system worked. There were also calls to ensure that young people have access to resources that will help them make informed decisions.
Lydia Howland, author of Logged Off? a report aimed at finding how ICT can improve youth participation in politics suggests that the internet can be useful in providing a place to debate issues. “Cyberspace provides neutral ground for young people to express their views which can be very liberating – particularly in politically sensitive situations.” Howland’s report also suggested that the newly introduced Connexions Smartcard could be used to reward young people who participate in an online debate by awarding them points that would be redeemable for goods and Twistys services.

However good these ideas are, it is young people who – just like before – will be responsible for changing the way our political system works by going to their nearest polling station and casting their votes.