Platanos College hosted a morning with the Electoral Commission and the Shadow Minister for Democracy, Florence Eshalomi MP as part of Welcome to Your Vote Week, on Friday 26th January 2024. Our sixth form students and year 11 pupils discussed their voting aspirations, debated on automatic registration (for voting), changing the voting age and what policies they would introduce if they were Prime Minister for a day.

We learnt about the workings of an MP and how they are accountable to their constituents. The workshop was also a platform for debate. We exchanged views on questions such as “Does Parliament represent you?” and “What is the best way to engage young people in democracy”. Equally, the importance of voting was stressed – as future voters, our students need to immerse themselves in the political happenings throughout their surroundings – locally, nationally and globally.

The students and pupils engaged with the session in true Platanos fashion. Their questions towards were relevant and spoke for young people across the country as we head towards election season. The workshop was informative, illuminating and a galvanising platform for our students to develop their participation in the world of politics.

“The workshop was a motivational experience that reminded us of the impact our choices can have on the direction of our community and the nation as a whole. These workshops served as an excellent way to learn more about the electoral process, and how our collective participation can contribute to positive change.”

Mohammed (Year 12 Student)

“We participated in a question and answer session with Ms Eshalomi which I found engaging and enjoyable; her replies to our questions helped me understand more about politics in general and about how important voting is.

James (Year 12 Student)