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Council hosts election in local school to encourage the next generation of voters

Published: Monday, 16 September 2024

Children at Little Hill holding their poll cards ready to vote

Pupils, parents and teachers at Little Hill Primary School, Wigston, have taken to the polls in a special mock election organised by Oadby & Wigston Borough Council (OWBC).

Voting took place throughout the day to choose new house names, with all pupils from Reception to Year 6 taking part, and with Barn, Eagle, Snowy and Tawny emerging as the clear owl-themed winning names – which are fitting with the school being part of the OWLS (Oadby, Wigston and Leicestershire Schools) Academy Trust.

As well as choosing new house names, the election served as a valuable educational activity, teaching pupils about the democratic process.

Members of OWBC’s Legal & Democratic Services team also hosted an assembly on the day for Years 3-6, making sure pupils understood the election and how it applies to the real world. Mayor of Oadby & Wigston, Cllr Clare Kozlowski, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jasvir Chohan, were also in attendance to help teach the pupils about local democracy.

To give the students an authentic election experience, the borough council also brought along the same poll cards, polling station notices, polling booths and ballot papers that are used in real elections.

Civica Election Services (CES) and Shaw’s, leading suppliers of election materials, provided the materials free of charge.

Mayor of Oadby & Wigston, Cllr Clare Kozlowski, said: “I’m so pleased that we were able to hold this event and introduce the children to elections in a fun and engaging way while showing them that their voice matters.

“It’s never too early for young people to understand the value of democracy and the importance of having their say, and I hope this experience made them feel more connected to their school and encourages them to vote when they are older.”

Little Hill pupil, Mason (9), said: "It was a really good experience. I am now ready for when I'm 18, when I'm able to vote in the general election. It felt like a real election but it was also fun. It was important that our opinion mattered and we had a part in choosing the new house names."

Sam Williams, Headteacher at Little Hill Primary School, said: “I was simply delighted when Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, with Civica’s help, agreed to support our school election event.

“Learning about the power and importance of democracy and voting from an early age is vital, as our children are the voices of the future. It was really important to us all at Little Hill that we provided a truly authentic experience for our children and the wider community. And what better way to start the school year than with an election where the outcome means something special to our children!”

Nick Shorney, Director for Local Authorities at Civica, said: “When OWBC approached us for materials for use in the school election, we were delighted to help.

“At Civica we believe it is so important to encourage early interest in the UK system of government and for children to experience democracy in action.”