Dorset MP talks democracy and elections with local pupils

Local MP, Simon Hoare, visited Blandford School in Dorset earlier today (28 February) to speak to pupils about voting, registering to vote and their democratic rights. The session, hosted by the Electoral Commission, saw pupils aged 16 to 18 discussing democracy, and putting questions to Simon Hoare MP about his role and experience.

Electoral Commission research shows that visits from people who work in politics are among the best ways young people said they could learn more about politics.

The Commission provides impartial resources to help young people learn about elections and democracy. To support future generations to have the confidence and knowledge to participate in elections, it has also called for changes to the English curriculum to ensure all young people have the opportunity to learn more about democracy at school and educators are supported to deliver effective democratic education.

The UK Government has committed to extending the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds, further increasing the importance of young people being educated about democracy and engaging with their political representatives.  

Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, said:

“As a father of three teenagers I know how interested young people are in the world around them. Getting involved in politics, registering to vote and voting are key elements to keep democracy alive and healthy. I have always had a good relationship with Blandford School so it was lovely to revisit, with the Electoral Commission, to engage with my young constituents.”

Alfie Owen (Year 12), who took part in the activities, said: 

“I’ve learnt more about democracy, why it matters and how much value your vote has behind it. Your vote is not just a tick in the box, it is a way to express yourself.

“One thing I have taken away is how impactful voicing your opinion and using your vote is. Without the voter an MP wouldn’t be in Parliament and your vote shapes the activity of the MP in Parliament.”

Ollie Haywood (Year 12), who took part in the activities, said: 

“The session was a very good way of portraying how people our age aren’t voting and how important voting is. It is a good way to inspire young people.

“In a smaller town in the constituency it is easy to assume MPs aren’t going to do a lot but it is good to hear from the MP, see that he is interested in the views we hold, and is trying to fix the issues we face.”

Niki Nixon, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said:

“We know that young people want to hear more from those that work in politics and learn more about what they do. Politics and democracy impact everything around them. Democratic education is key to deepening young people’s understanding of elections and giving them the confidence to participate.

“I hope the young people we met today will be voting in future elections. Sessions like this will give them the information they need to register and vote with confidence.”

The visit comes ahead of the Commission’s annual ‘Welcome to your Vote Week’, starting Monday 10 March, which encourages young people to engage in democracy, to get informed and get involved, and helps provide access to trustworthy information about voting and elections. Last year 440 organisations across the UK participated in the week.

Welcome to your Vote Week forms part of the Electoral Commission’s wider work to support democratic education. The Commission also provides resources for schools, teachers and youth workers to help young people find out more about voter registration, political campaigning and how to cast your vote. They also allow young people to take a closer look at democracy in the UK and understand how they can have their say.

Educators and students who want to take part in ‘Welcome to Your Vote’ week can access the free resources from the Electoral Commission website at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/learning.

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For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or [email protected]