Total votes
5-11 votes
11-16+ votes
With the voting age being lowered to 16 for the next general election, the Electoral Commission have recommended extra lessons take place for those aged 14+ to ensure they are prepared for the responsibility of voting. In 2022, we received over 45,000 votes on the question, “Should everyone be able to vote at 16?” and whilst Primary pupils were in favour, Secondary & College students had a majority ‘No’ outcome. This led us to wonder, has opinion changed over the last 3 years or are young people still unsure? In 2022, many said they didn’t feel mature enough to make an informed, responsible decision at 16. Does this mean the Electoral Commission’s recommendation is a welcome one, or are teachers and students already balancing a curriculum that is stretched to capacity?
Primary 5-7 pupils were asked, “Should your school teach you about voting?”, while Primary 7-11 pupils discussed, “Should your school help you get ready to vote at 16?”, Secondary students considered, “Should your school help you prepare for votes at 16?”, and 16+ & College students answered, "Should schools help young people prepare for votes at 16?”
52,935 young people voted on this VoteTopic.
Yes as it will prepare us for when we are older so we will know what to do and make the right decisions. Also it is a great addition to our curriculum.
Democracy is important, but our curriculum is already bursting with too much content and our heads hurt!
If you go to other places to look for political advice you will find a lot of propaganda and it will usually be very biased - schools should provide independent information.
