'I was tired': People in Luton on why they did not vote

People in Luton have shared some of their reasons for not adding to the weight of ballot boxes on Thursday

Turnout in the UK general election was 60%, the second lowest since 1885. In the two constituencies covering Luton it was lower than that - at 50% and 52%. What do people in the town think were the reasons behind the figure?

'I was tired from work'

Derek Fletcher, who did not vote on Thursday, said he was tired after work

Derek Fletcher, 58, offered two political reasons and one personal reason for not voting.

He said candidates did not appeal, he suggested that the UK could not be cured, and he said he was tired after work.

"Both candidates didn't really appeal," he said.

"I think the country is in such a bad state that even with all the best wishes, I don't think anyone can cure it.

"I was tired from work, as well."

'I've got other things to focus on'

Julia Hotaj said she had other things to focus on

Julia Hotaj, 18, said: "I wasn't interested. I've got other things to focus on rather than... elections and all of that.

"I did have family members that voted but I don't remember what they voted for."

She said she had paid only some attention to the campaign.

"I did a little bit," she said.

"I was listening to the news here and there but that's it, really."

Luton was not the only place where many people decided against heading to a polling station.

The only turnout figure lower in a UK election since 1885 was in 2001, when 59% voted.

In the newly-created constituency of Leeds South, only 42% of those eligible to vote chose to do so.

'One of the most unpleasant elections'

Labour's Luton North MP Sarah Owen said the election had been unpleasant

Labour Luton North MP Sarah Owen believes the polls may have contributed to low turnout.

"From my experience on the doorstep, the reports of huge leads for Labour in the week running up to polling day left people thinking they didn’t need to actually go out and vote to get rid of the Tories to see change," she said

She added the election had been one of the "most unpleasant" she had experienced.

"Volunteers were intimidated for exercising their political beliefs and often shouted at," she said.

"It isn’t a stretch to see this sort of behaviour put some people off voting and participating in our democracy at all."

'It goes against our principles'

Abu Jay had religious reasons for not voting

Muslim Abu Jay, 62, did not vote for religious reasons.

"It goes against our principles," he said.

"Law and order is only for the creator.

"We follow our core values. We believe that God is the creator.

"He is the creator so he is the best to judge for us what is good for us and what is bad for us, rather than man, who is weak, limited and needy."