3.5 Resource spotlight: Exploring Elections voter registration assembly

Here is a suggested plan for using the Exploring Elections slide deck in an assembly as part of a voter registration drive in a school or college. It is particularly useful if you have limited time and capacity as you can engage a whole year group in one go.

What You’ll Need:

• Slide deck (attached – guides the assembly delivery)
• QR code linking to gov.uk/register-to-vote (in slide deck)
• Students will need their National Insurance numbers, so should be asked to bring these (if they forget, they can still register to vote).
• Support staff (e.g. SENCO) to assist students with additional needs
• Resources roundup: voter registration guides for follow-up

Purpose:

To get young people thinking about politics and democracy – and, crucially, to get them registered to vote. The assembly introduces why elections matter, creates space for honest reflection about politics, and ensures students know how to register.

How It Works:

Preparation (before the assembly)

• Email/message students in advance, encouraging them to bring their National Insurance number.

Assembly (20–30 minutes)

• Introduction: Welcome students and explain the purpose of the session.
• Discussion: Briefly explore students’ feelings about politics and elections. Encourage honesty – acknowledge negativity but frame why elections still matter.
• Key message: Use the slide deck to show the importance of registering and participating.
• Registering together: Share the QR code link and give students time in the assembly to register using their phones.

Afterwards

• Send a follow-up message/email (e.g. via Google Classroom) with the registration link and assembly summary.
• Provide tutors with the presentation and easy-read voter registration forms so they can support students who need extra help.