NHDC connects with future voters as part of Local Democracy Week

PR Date: Monday, 14 October 2019 - 4:45pm

Pupils from 6 schools across North Herts visited North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) today (14 October) to learn more about democracy during Local Democracy Week.

The Council held a special workshop event in the Council Chamber. 19 pupils, the majority of which were aged 16 to 18 years old, took part in talks about the democratic process, registering to vote and how the electoral process works. They also debated if the voting age should be reduced from 18 to 16 and took part in a ‘Speed Dating with Councillors’ session where they talked to individual NHDC Councillors, learning about their roles and why they became Councillors for their local community. The day ended with a fun quiz about voting practices around the world.

Local Democracy Week is a week long celebration of democracy in society, providing an opportunity to celebrate progress and champion future democratic participation. NHDC hopes that the workshop will encourage those who took part to become more engaged in democracy and gain a better understanding of how democracy in action works.

Cllr Martin Stears-Handscomb, Leader of the Council said: "It was so refreshing to be able to work directly with young people from across North Hertfordshire in this way, raising awareness of the democratic process and how important it is to their future. A big thank you to all who took part. We hope that those who attended will register to vote at their earliest opportunity so they can make their voices heard as part of the democratic process".

Cllr Judi Billing, NHDC’s Executive Member for Community Engagement said: "This Council has an absolute determination to hear the views of our young citizens. We need to hear their thoughts for the future; there is no point in us thinking about the future shape of our towns, villages and the services we provide without asking young people about their aspirations and ideas. This event was a good start to that process but there is much more work to do."

Tina Bhartwas, one of the participants at Hitchin Girls School said: "It is great to see the Council engaging with young people in this way and to be able to discuss the roles of Councillors and debate lowering the voting age. A fantastic way of showing the importance of local government and voting!"

To find more information about elections and voting visit: www.north-herts.gov.uk/home/elections-and-voting

You can check if you are registered to vote by calling NHDC’s Elections team on 01462 474503.