Local councils shape our daily lives but election turnouts remain low - George Jabbour

Having said that, the turnout in this by-election is likely to be markedly lower than in the 2019 General Election for the Richmond (Yorks) constituency, which includes the Hutton Rudby and Osmotherley division.

To illustrate the point, let’s examine the figures from the most recent local council elections across North Yorkshire, which took place in May 2022.

The turnout across the whole county was 35 per cent. Therefore, out of 478,539 eligible voters across all 89 divisions, only 168,969 or approximately one in three took part in this important democratic exercise.

The turnout was not the same in all areas.

The participation rate in some divisions within the towns of Northallerton, Selby and Whitby was below 30 per cent.

On the other hand, Cawood & Escrick, Scalby & the Coast and Stokesley had turnouts of over 40 per cent.

Last May, I was elected to the Helmsley and Sinnington division with a turnout of 48 per cent. Although this is higher than in any other area in North Yorkshire in 2022, it still meant that more than half of those eligible did not cast a vote.

So, how do local election figures compare to those of the last general election?

Across North Yorkshire, the turnout in the last general election, which took place in 2019, was over 70 per cent - more than twice the participation rate in local council elections. The difference between the constituencies with the lowest and highest turnouts is much smaller than in local elections.

This stark contrast in the turnout between local and general elections is not confined to North Yorkshire and is not limited to recent years. The difference is consistent across time and space.

However, because of the low turnout in local elections, one factor that can lead to a pronounced increase is how active the candidates are in inspiring and motivating their residents to go out and vote for them.

Being a councillor is a wonderful role that enables one to make a difference in their community. It is a satisfying and fulfilling experience.

Furthermore, the council’s policies directly and tangibly affect the residents we represent in so many ways.

Whether it is bin collection or education, decisions made by local representatives can be extremely powerful in improving the lives of the people who had voted for them.

If you are a resident within the Hutton Rudby and Osmotherley division, you now have the opportunity to decide who your next North Yorkshire Councillor will be.

Please go out and vote on September 28. And if you decide to do so, please do not forget to bring a suitable photo ID with you.

George Jabbour is the councillor for Helmsley & Sinnington.