Young people told us they can feel disconnected from politics, but political decisions made by adults directly shape their lives.
That's why we teamed up with partners to launch 'Our Generation. Our Vote.', a political literacy project which saw under-18-year-olds build their understanding of the democratic process, the different parties and their election manifestos, and local candidates standing in their areas.
The project ended with a mock election aimed at preparing children - particularly those from marginalised communities - to exercise their democratic rights when they reach voting age.
The results are in
More than 530 schools and youth groups took part, with around 23,000 young people casting their vote.
- 32% voted Labour
- 29% voted Green Party
- 13% voted Liberal Democrats
- 10% voted Reform UK
- 9% voted Conservative.
In Wales:
- 30% voted Labour
- 22% voted Green Party
- 14% voted Reform UK
- 10% voted Liberal Democrats
- 9% voted Plaid Cymru
- 8% voted Conservative.
Which issues came out on top?
Across both nations, children cited education (22%) as the policy area that influenced their vote the most, followed by health (18%) and climate and environment (18%). 16% named the cost-of-living and 12% safety. Immigration and refugees held the least sway, on 8%.
Helping children to have a say
Matilda, 14, cast her vote in the ‘Our Generation. Our Vote.’ election at her school in Worcestershire. She said:
“I think politicians overlook young people because we don’t have the vote, so it was exciting to have the opportunity to cast my ballot and have a say, after learning about the different parties. In the past, I’ve heard from my parents about the party they support so it was interesting to learn about what all the other parties are offering in their manifestos this election. It was really educational.”
Aukse, 13, who took part at her youth group in East London, added:
“I have loved taking part in Our Generation. Our Vote and practising what it is like to participate in an election! I think it’s so important to give children a platform as we don’t always get one - and I want adults to listen to what we have to say. I now have a better understanding of what the different political parties stand for and how the voting process works. I feel better prepared for taking part in elections when I turn 18.”
Little Ilford School in Newham, East London, took part in ‘Our Generation. Our Vote’. Saeema Akhtar, Head of Citizenship, said:
“Through Our Generation. Our Vote the students have had a brilliant opportunity to learn all about politics and, ultimately, to cast their vote for candidates in our constituency.
They’ve been so excited to take part and feel like their voices will be heard – by those making the decisions in Westminster but also the public at large. I’m confident ‘Our Generation. Our Vote.’ will prepare children to make educated and informed political choices once they turn 18.”
A spokesperson for ‘Our Generation. Our Vote.’ said:
“Democracy is the lifeblood of the UK and it’s vital that children across the country feel inspired to play their role as citizens, whatever their background. We’re always striving to give children a platform for their views about the issues that affect them most. The run-up to this election allowed them to speak to politicians and hear first-hand about the policies of the main parties.
We have no allegiance to any party, but as a coalition, Our Generation. Our Vote is delighted with the support it’s received from schools, teachers, parents and, of course, the children themselves.”
Full details of how children voted, including a regional breakdown of the data, can be found here.
