Author: Dr Collette Schulz-Herzenberg
Statistics SA 2018 population estimates show 11,7 million eligible voters are aged between 18-29, a third (33%) of all eligible voters. Yet, only 5.6 million are registered which means that less than half (49%) were entitled to vote in 2019. This is a substantial decrease from the previous 2014 elections, when well over half (58%) of all 18-29 year olds were registered to vote.
Despite low registration levels, the sheer numbers of registered young people make them a significant influence at elections. The 18-29 year olds make up over a fifth or 21% of all registered voters; a remarkable portion.
Young people are unpredictable voters. They are not guided by strong party loyalties but are instead responsive to more immediate events, and the appeal and performance of political parties. If a clear ideological or partisan bias emerges in the political views of young voters the impact on the South African political landscape could be dramatic.
