4.7 Making a plan to vote

Helping young people feel confident about voting is about making the process feel manageable, relevant and doable. Many first-time voters are unsure of the practical steps involved. As a teacher, you’re in a great position to demystify the process. 
As with planning a voter registration drive, think about the needs of the students you’re helping to make a plan to vote:

• Do they have special educational needs or accessibility requirements?
• Are they taking part in an election that requires a photo ID?
• Are any learners from migrant backgrounds who may not be eligible to vote? What support can you provide them to engage in the election in other ways?

These questions can help shape your approach and the tools you choose to use.

In order for plans to vote to be effective young people will have needed support on voter registration first. See our module on ‘How to run a voter registration drive’ for more information. 

Support learners to answer the following questions: 

• Where is my polling station? - use a polling station finder, remember it might have moved since the last election.
• Who will I vote for? Participants can check who the candidates in their constituency or ward are at Who Can I Vote For (whocanivotefor.co.uk).
• What time will I vote? - Polling stations are open between 7am - 10pm, remember that there might be a queue if you go at a busy time, so make sure you leave enough time.
• What do I need to take with me? - You need to take voter ID with you to vote in these elections - you can check out the list of ID’s you can use here. 
• How will I remember? Encourage young people to set an alarm in their phone to remind them to vote. 
• Who will I go with? Why not make a plan with friends to go to the polling station together. You can also take your pets to the polling station! Check out #dogsatpollingstations, although your dog won’t be able to vote.

Take Action Together
Encouraging learners to share their plan with a friend or family member – peer reminders boost turnout. For a full activity guide on making a plan to vote, click here.

What if young people can’t vote?
If you are working with students who are unable to vote in an upcoming election, it is helpful to support them to consider other ways that they can participate and use their voice. Other ways to participate include:

• Writing to their local councillor, MP, or other elected representative if they have any issues they wish to raise.
• Attending community events.
• Joining a local social action group.