Young people and democracy

The Government has announced plans to lower the voting age to 16 in England within the lifetime of this Parliament, with the aim of increasing turnout at elections amongst young people. It's therefore more important than ever that young people are encouraged to engage with politics and democracy.

As part of Eastleigh’s commitment to encourage young people to register to vote, we are keen to share information with schools and colleges to encourage participation and to provide an understanding of:

•  how the voting process works
• how decisions are made
• how they can be a part of those decisions
• why their voices matter in shaping the world around them.

Encouraging students to register to vote

Local schools and colleges can play a key part in raising awareness and encouraging their students aged 16+ to register to vote.

Educators could also highlight to their students that being registered to vote not only means that they can make their voice heard on local and national matters by being able to vote in elections and referendums, but it can also affect their ability to get credit, which is essential for all sorts of things like getting a mobile phone contract.

We have sent information to schools and colleges to share with parents and carers to raise awareness that young people can register to vote as soon as they have a national insurance number.

When legislation has been passed to lower the voter age to 16, we anticipate young people aged 14+ will be able to register to vote.

If you would like our assistance to help your young people, make their voices heard and become engaged voters for years to come, please contact us at [email protected].

Resources for schools and colleges

The Electoral Commission, a politically impartial and an independent organisation which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK, has partnered with organisations to produce resources for schools and colleges to use and share with their students.

Running an election or referendum

If you are planning on running an election or referendum, we can provide guidance or advice.

To make an election or referendum as realistic as possible, and subject to service demand, we can provide ‘official’ election notices and documentation and lend equipment such as polling booths, stationery and ballot boxes for use in the school’s polling station. Please note these would need to be collected from, and returned to, Eastleigh House, Upper Market Street, Eastleigh SO50 9YN. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like our help.