The 2019 local elections take place on Thursday but, if recent turnout patterns continue in the same vein, a vast majority of Greater Manchester residents will not have their say at the ballot box.
For The Streets That Don’t Vote project, Local Democracy reporters have been out on the doorsteps in wards with the lowest turnout records to ask why so few bother – and if that is likely to change this week.
It’s the subject that has torn the country’s politics apart, dividing political parties, pitting family members at loggerheads and drawing both Leave and Remain supporters to march in the streets in protest.
And now the fallout from Brexit is set to leave its mark on this year’s local elections, too, according to the view from the doorsteps of Trafford .
When we set out to ask people in Gorse Hill – an area with one of the lowest council election turnouts in Greater Manchester – why so many people don’t bother to vote, the EU referendum often dominates conversation.
With Brexit overwhelming the national political debate, perhaps it is no wonder.
Local Trafford elections 2019: All the candidates standing in your ward
“Don’t talk to me about Brexit, the Irish backstop or a deal or no deal scenario,” says 58-year-old Geoff Burgess, one of many whose response oozes frustration.
When asked if he will be voting next month, he is unsure.
“What’s the point?” he questions.
“Those in power just do what they want anyway.
“And besides, if the so-called bigwigs in London can’t sort out leaving the EU what hope is there locally?
“I’m in two minds whether to vote – I just don’t know anymore.”
Geoff isn’t alone. Other people on the streets of Gorse Hill expressed similar views, arguing their vote just doesn’t matter, that it won’t make a difference to them or to the public services they fund with their hard-earned cash.
Last year, more than 70pc of voters in this part of Trafford sat on their hands and turned their backs on politics.
A strongly Labour ward, ‘there’s no political battle to win in this part of town’, the LDRS was told by one resident.
Last year’s election, however, did lure more voters to strike their cross on the ballot paper than usual in other areas of Trafford, particularly in Brooklands, Flixton, Davyhulme East and West.
The turnout in these wards averaged more than 50pc.
In those areas in particular, controversial topics such as plans to build on green belt, opposition to the green bin charge – recently scrapped – and the failings of environmental service provider, Amey, the firm blamed for leaving the streets dirty, the parks filthy and overflowing bins unemptied, brought voters out in droves.
This year’s turnout could, however, be quite different, especially in Gorse Hill. Brexit has left those who vote as a matter of principle, disheartened and ‘sick’ of politics, say many of those we meet.
When mum-of-two Janice Brown, of Taylors Road, is asked if she will be heading to the polls, her response is familiar.
“There isn’t a local election going on as well, is there?” she queries.
Her question should perhaps come as no surprise, since on surrounding streets there isn’t a banner, leaflet or signpost brandishing a political slogan in sight.
“It doesn’t matter – I’m not voting anyway – I don’t have the time or the interest,” adds the 37-year-old.
However, it is a different story in the Chester Road newsagents, as Ramila Patel seems unfazed by the political jargon dominating the headlines.
“I always vote – all my family vote – but I’m not sure about my kids,” she smiles.
“I’ve never missed an election – my parents wouldn’t let me. It’s like a family tradition, you see.”
Her sentiments are echoed by neighbour Fiona McKenna, of Taylors Road.
Similar to Ramila, all the McKenna family vote.
“It’s so important,” says the mum-of-two.
“How can you complain about the state of local services if you don’t vote?
“It’s how society works and how communities function – but I realise not everyone thinks the same way.”
As if to demonstrate that point, her friend Elena Greenall remains undecided.
“I vote if there’s something worth voting for,” she explains.
"I don’t have a political allegiance, but if I feel strongly enough about something or trust a candidate, then I’ll vote.
“Otherwise I don’t bother.”
Meanwhile local builder Mateusz Pauta, 34, has definitely decided and he won’t be heading to the polls anytime soon.
“The roads are a mess – and the traffic jams worse,” he says.
“Nothing ever changes – I don’t think there’s any point in voting. Plus I’m not interested anyway.”
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