Take Part

Young people will understand why voting matters and how elections work, so they can feel confident to take part and make up their own minds about who to vote for. This includes knowing how to register and the different ways you can vote.

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Voting is one of the most direct ways people can take part in democracy and have a say in who represents them. As legislation to extend voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds progresses through UK Parliament, it is increasingly important that young people feel informed, confident and prepared to participate.

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The Take Part strand helps young people understand why voting matters, who can vote, and how elections and representation work. It introduces them to political parties, candidates and campaigns, and supports them to form their own informed views about who to vote for. It also gives young people the practical knowledge they need to register and vote, so that when election day comes, they feel confident and comfortable using the voting methods available to them.

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This strand can be delivered through lessons and workshops. You can also engage young people through Welcome to Your Vote Week, the Electoral Commission’s annual engagement week. Young people can experience elections through mock and parallel elections, take part in voter registration drives and build their confidence through polling station walk-throughs.