The deputy leader of Lichfield District Council has admitted his frustration at continued “apathy” from voters.
Local residents are due to go to the polls in the Police and Crime Commissioner elections next month, with an EU referendum ballot also on the horizon.
But with a recent by-election in the Chadsmead ward producing a turnout of under 22% and Neighbourhood Plan referendums in Little Aston and Stonnall generating voter numbers of just 21.5% and 29.68% respectively, Cllr Ian Pritchard told a meeting of Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet of his frustration at a lack of engagement in the political process.
“The electorate continually disappoint me,” he said. “The low level of turnout and the general apathy to voting for a Neighbourhood Plan, a Police and Crime Commissioner or a local election is very sad.
“I’m not sure what more we can do to improve turnout as we’re doing everything we can to generate interest.”
Diane Tilley, the local authority’s electoral registration officer, said the turnout in the area reflected national trends.
She added: “In terms of the Neighbourhood Plan votes there’s little we can do as it’s down to those proposing them to persuade people to go out and vote.”
