'We’re not interested. We’ve got busy jobs, children, busy lives' - worrying voter apathy in Trafford
Apathy. It’s the biggest enemy of local democracy along with - some in Trafford would argue - photo ID. The food hall in Altrincham’s thriving Charter Market in the centre of perhaps the borough’s most affluent towns is bustling with potential voters.
Married couple David and Morena Mfumo, 34 and 29, respectively, feel strongly that the new regulations which mean people must attend polling stations with photographic ID, like a driving licence, passport or bus pass, are a huge obstacle to voters. Ellen Baldock, 29, agrees. “There needs to investment in local services, street cleanliness and safety. There needs to be meaningful investment in the future. But I think the photo ID issue is a big obstacle to people voting, but it won’t stop me.”
Ellie Varnick, 37, is from Iran, and has permission to stay in UK indefinitely, but will not be voting because she can’t get photo ID. “I would vote if I could, because I love it here, but it isn’t going to happen.” “Trafford has existed for 50 years [since local government reorganisation in 1974] but for 40 of those years it has been controlled by the Conservatives [it is currently under Labour control]. I hope Labour can hold on.”
On arrival in sunny Altrincham we’re greeted by 71-year-old Neil Robinson, of Timperley, who is sipping a latte outside a Costa. “I don’t normally vote in local elections,” he said.
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