Sharon Gaffka has urged young people to register to vote.
Sharon Gaffka wants young people to use their voices
The former 'Love Island' contestant wants fans to use their voices and make sure they can be heard in the upcoming elections after new research showed young Brits are more likely to vote for reality TV stars than politicians, with 7 in 10 Brits aged 18-34 having participated in a television vote over the last 12 months, but 41% of those aged 18-24 have never voted in an election in the past.
The survey also found less than half of citizens aged 25-34 believing voting for an election has more of an impact than voting for a reality TV show, and Sharon wanted to reassure young people that they can make a difference.
She said in a statement: “You voted for me to go on a date with Chuggs Wallis so now it’s time to vote for something off the screens, your democracy. I know it may feel like your vote doesn't make a difference, but - just like in the Villa - it really can. It’s as simple as voting for Love Island, simply head online to register and it can be done in a matter of minutes."
The 27-year-old former civil servant can understand why voter apathy is high among young people but she wants things to change.
She wrote on Instagram: "Growing up, the message was clear: politics wasn’t for “people like me.” But who were they referring to? Was it my race, my gender, my age, or perhaps a combination of all three?
"You don’t need a political degree to recognise why young people often feel excluded from the political process. The absence of youth voices results in policies being imposed on us, regardless of whether they serve our interests.
"I’ve been in countless conversations and voter apathy among young people is a recurring theme. But as we approach the impending general election, it’s crucial to challenge this perception. We do care about politics, and our voices do count.
"That’s why I’m thrilled to announce my partnership with @mylifemysay on the #YouAlreadyVoteSoVote campaign! Together, we’re empowering the staggering one-third of young voters missing from the electoral roll, to register, vote, and effect change in the upcoming election."
Other stars backing the My Life My Say campaign include 'Big Brother' presenter Will Best, 'Love Island' stars Molly Marsh and Kai Fagan, and Twist and Pulse dancer Ashley Glazebrook.
Dan Lawes, Head of Partnerships at My Life My Say said: “Voting numbers are drastically down - especially in the 18–34-year-old age group. And the real irony is this group already vote. They love to vote. Their voting has changed hundreds of lives, whether it’s for someone to have a 'voice' on talent shows, for contestants’ 'safety' from evictions or for stars to eat weird things in the jungle – so we need them to vote when it really counts, in elections.”
A display featuring disruptive recreations of well-known Reality TV icons is currentlylive at the Outernet in London to encourage young passers-by to vote before Tuesday’s (!6.04.24) deadline.
To register to vote online, visit https://www.registertovote.service.gov.uk/country-of-residence