From the 14th- 18th July, I had the privilege of spending a week on work experience with Rachel Hopkins MP and her lovely team.
I gained a fascinating insight into the life of an MP and on 16th July, I attended the launch of The Politics Project’s ‘Roadmap to Votes at 16’ in Parliament. They had a wide variety of thought-provoking speakers including a keynote speech from the Minister for Democracy, Rushanara Ali MP.
This event made me reflect on the necessary steps that must be taken to ensure the protection and development of democracy and also focused on shifting the conversation surrounding votes at sixteen away from if it should be delivered to how.
I am incredibly pleased to hear that the government have again emphasised their commitment to break down barriers to engaging in democracy through their recently published elections strategy. Expanding the right to vote to sixteen and seventeen-year-olds was outlined in their 2024 manifesto and it is a huge move towards increased participation. This upcoming change is welcome news, especially for a seventeen-year-old who is passionate about politics. Our democracy in the UK is something to be incredibly proud of and something that must be protected and developed.
The ‘Roadmap to Votes at 16’ outlined five key steps to ensure maximum effectiveness of votes at 16. These steps are:
- Establishing a minimum entitlement to democratic education from primary through to post-16 settings.
- Supporting educators and youth practitioners with specialist training, resources and guidance.
- Modernising the curriculum to prepare young people to vote for the first time.
- Expanding opportunities for young people to engage directly with politicians and influence policy.
- Launching national youth-led communications campaigns to build a new culture of participation among first-time voters.
The first step of creating a minimum entitlement to democratic education throughout schooling is crucial. Currently, there is a lack of consistency in political education amongst young people across the UK. All youth should understand the principles of democracy and how, practically, they vote. The steps outlined within the roadmap all interlink with one another. Without support and resources for educators and youth practitioners as well as a modernised curriculum, this democratic education cannot be delivered.
Another important method of promoting youth engagement is allowing young people to engage with politicians. This will humanise the world of politics, making it far more real and less intimidating. Real life experience is equally as important as education.
Youth-led campaigns are also vital in helping young people find their voices and understand their influence. Encouraging children from a young age to express their views and advocate for the changes they wish to see is a step towards creating a new generation of active voters.
Votes at 16 is absolutely a positive change, and there must be the correct educational tools alongside it. This is vital in furthering our democracy in the UK and ensuring that all young people across the country have an influence over the issues that will impact them and their future. The implementation of good political education alongside this electoral change will create deeper understanding and enthusiasm surrounding politics.
Finally, it is important to recognise that voting is a habit and politically engaged and educated youth grow into politically engaged and educated adults.
By Ruby Earles