#ElectionCountdown 2026

#ElectionCountdown is designed to enable schools, colleges and youth groups to support young people to engage with and vote in elections. It aims to ensure that young people who are voting for the first time go to the polls with knowledge and confidence. By the end of the programme, learners should understand the key issues of the election, where each candidate stands on those issues, and how they can make their voice heard on election day.

The programme consists of eight short sessions on key election-related topics to support young people that will be voting for the first time. Students will learn about the importance of elections, how to vote, whether and what kind of voter ID they might need, how to research candidates, issues, and manifestos, the structure of government in the UK, and how to interpret election results.

In the lead up to an election, teachers are supported with weekly updates with suggestions on what session to deliver that week, as well as access to further resources and information.

Schools should make sure to sign up well in advance of election day to make sure that they have enough time to deliver all of the sessions.
#ElectionCountdown is a programme by The Politics Project, funded by the Electoral Commission.