The lowest turnout in a general election was recorded in 1918 at 57.2 per cent, due to the end of the First World War. Between 1922 and 1997 turnout remained above 71 per cent. However, in 2001 turnout fell to 59.4 per cent and stayed relatively low at 61.4 per cent in 2005.
Electoral Commission reports
Organisations such as the Electoral Commission have published reports examining whether changing current arrangements will encourage more people to vote. Alternative measures suggested include:
In June 2008, the Ministry of Justice published 'The Governance of Britain' consultation paper on weekend voting and invited submissions from the public on its proposals.