In the United Kingdom, local elections are often considered “second-order elections” because they are perceived as less significant than national elections. This perception leads to lower voter turnout and a tendency for voters to use these elections to express dissatisfaction with the national government, rather than to directly influence local governance.
Voter Turnout and Engagement
Voter turnout in local elections is typically lower than in general elections. For instance, in the 2021 local elections, the average turnout was around 35%, compared to approximately 67% in the 2019 general election. This disparity suggests that many voters view local elections as less critical, leading to reduced engagement.
Impact on National Politics
Local elections can serve as a barometer for national political sentiment. In the 2023 local elections, the Conservative Party experienced significant losses, which were interpreted as a public rebuke of the national government’s performance. Such outcomes can influence national political strategies and party leadership decisions.
Media Coverage and Campaigning
Media coverage of local elections is often less extensive than that of general elections, reflecting their perceived lower importance. Political parties may also allocate fewer resources to local campaigns, focusing more on national issues and candidates.
Electoral Systems
The electoral systems used in local elections can also contribute to their second-order status. For example, many local elections in the UK use the First-Past-The-Post system, which can lead to disproportionate results and may not accurately reflect the overall political landscape. This can affect how voters perceive the impact of their vote in local elections.
In summary, local elections in the UK are often considered second-order due to their perceived lower importance compared to national elections, leading to lower voter turnout, less media attention, and a focus on national issues during campaigns.