3.7 Resources spotlight: The Paper Bin Game

For example, here’s a simple activity you can run with young people to help them explore some of the barriers people face when registering to vote.

Time Needed: 15–20 minutes

What you'll need:

• A bin (or box)
• Scrap paper (1 piece per participant – this is their ‘vote’)
• Space for participants to line up
• Graph showing voter registration by age (included in resource pack)

Purpose:
To help young people understand that low registration rates among their age group are often due to practical and structural barriers – not a lack of interest. The game demonstrates these challenges in a physical, memorable way.

How it works:
One: Show the graph

• Present the graph showing how voter registration increases with age – only 16% of 16–17 year olds are registered, compared to 96% of people aged 65+

Two: Assign age groups

• Assign each participant (or small group) an age category from the chart: 16–17, 18–19, 20–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65+

Three: Set up the game

• Place the bin at one end of the room
• Line participants up, giving everyone one “vote” (scrap paper)
• The oldest group stands closest to the bin
• Each younger group takes a step back – the youngest are furthest away
• Everyone tries to throw their “vote” into the bin

Four: Facilitate a discussion
Ask questions like:

• What made this easier or harder for different people?
• What barriers exist for young people in real life?
• What could level the playing field?

Discuss real-world issues like moving house, lack of ID, limited political education, or feeling disconnected from decision-makers.

Five: Take Action Together

• Use the discussion as a launchpad to support registration. If young people are eligible, help them register to vote then and there at: gov.uk/register-to-vote

Click here for a full version of the game, including slide deck.