The Importance of Youth Social Action

On Thursday 4th July 2024,  a General Election will be held to determine the new or continuing prime minister, and potentially a new government. As young voters, it is important that you vote and take this opportunity to be part of the democratic process.  It is a very important chance to chat to any voters who are 18 and still have plans for voting but are unsure and have not solidified their plans or simply don’t know where to vote.

Reassure Young People

When you intend to speak to these young voters make sure you go in with a firm idea on what you could help them with such as when they intend to vote next. When speaking about who to vote for, ask them if they are sure what each party stands for as they may be unsure of what they wish to vote for. Do not try to persuade the youth with your own biased views,  encourage them to expand on their own beliefs. Do your best to normalise these conversations by reassuring them that they are allowed to vote and remind them to be sure on who they plan on voting for.

If you are old enough to vote remember:

• Take your ID (Passport, Drivers licence e.t.c) 

• Take your Poll Card

• Polling stations open from 7am - 10pm

• When you arrive, give your name and address to the staff inside and show your photo ID to confirm your identity.

• You'll be given a ballot card containing a list of the candidates 

• Follow the instructions on the notices in the polling booth and at the top of the ballot paper vote

Things not do:

• Bribe people with money to not vote or to vote for your candidate

• Threaten people with any sort of abuse into voting for your selected candidate or not voting at all

• Taking someone else's polling card and vote for them

As part of our project with Norham High School, as a group we have prepared a letter for whoever the new Prime Minister is. In the letter we  make suggestions about how our area and our lives,  could be improved. Young people are often forgotten when it comes to politics, and we want our young people to have a voice. Coincidentally, we are in London on the day of the election, and we will be handing our letter into Downing Street - it may be the first correspondence they receive!

Let’s see if we get a reply!