{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW72592546 BCX0\u0022\u003EDemocracy and your voice\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW72592546 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW72592546 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW72592546 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003EExploring democracy is not about promoting political parties, but about understanding how decisions are made and how they affect everyday life. From local services and transport to schools, opportunities, and even interests such as sport, gaming, and hobbies, democratic decisions shape the world around us.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW72592546 BCX0\u0022\u003EWith the UK Government confirming its intention to extend voting rights to 16 and 17 year olds through a forthcoming Elections Bill, many young people will be eligible to vote while still in school or college. Research by the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/media-centre/young-people-want-learn-more-about-politics-and-democracy\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Information on The Electoral Commission website\u0022 class=\u0022Hyperlink SCXW72592546 BCX0\u0022\u003EElectoral Commission\u003C/a\u003E (2025) shows that 72% of young people aged 11 to 25 want more education about politics and democratic processes.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW72592546 BCX0\u0022\u003EThis makes it increasingly important that schools, youth groups, and community organisations create opportunities for young people to understand democratic participation, political systems, and informed decision-making so they are prepared to use their voice confidently when they reach voting age.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EExploring voting at 16\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo build on this understanding, the Explorers Democracy Activity Badge can be adapted to help young people explore what voting at 16 means in practice. Explorers complete three requirements, choosing from activities that help them understand how democracy works and how they can actively take part in shaping decisions that affect them.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EExplorers Democracy Activity Badge: Voting at 16 adaptation\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EComplete three requirements. You could choose from:\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022ListContainerWrapper SCXW61029418 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli data-section-id=\u00221csgycr\u0022 data-start=\u00221747\u0022 data-end=\u00221899\u0022\u003EResearch how a general or local election works, including how you register to vote, how voting takes place, and how results are counted and decided.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-section-id=\u00222j01sb\u0022 data-start=\u00221900\u0022 data-end=\u00222015\u0022\u003EExplore how Parliament is structured, including the House of Commons and House of Lords, and how laws are made.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-section-id=\u0022a8gj26\u0022 data-start=\u00222016\u0022 data-end=\u00222145\u0022\u003ELearn how local councils make decisions and how these affect services in your area (for example transport, education, housing).\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","label":"Discover: Explore how voting, elections, and democratic systems work in your country."},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022ListContainerWrapper SCXW253860401 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli data-section-id=\u00221m9ky31\u0022 data-start=\u00222240\u0022 data-end=\u00222354\u0022\u003EVisit the UK Parliament or a devolved parliament, or take part in an education session exploring how it works.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-section-id=\u00228dbmk\u0022 data-start=\u00222355\u0022 data-end=\u00222456\u0022\u003EVisit a local council meeting or speak to a councillor about how decisions are made in your area.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-section-id=\u00221rtreur\u0022 data-start=\u00222457\u0022 data-end=\u00222604\u0022\u003EAttend a Q\u0026amp;A session with an MP, councillor, or elected representative, or observe a live debate, committee session, or parliamentary discussion.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","label":"Experience:  Take part in or observe an electoral or democratic process in action."},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022ListContainerWrapper SCXW86775787 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli data-section-id=\u00221uund1o\u0022 data-start=\u00222707\u0022 data-end=\u00222820\u0022\u003EWrite a letter or email to an MP or councillor about an issue that matters to young people in your community.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-section-id=\u00221mu3cqr\u0022 data-start=\u00222821\u0022 data-end=\u00222953\u0022\u003EGather views from other young people on local or national issues and share them with a decision-maker or elected representative.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-section-id=\u00224ttges\u0022 data-start=\u00222954\u0022 data-end=\u00223077\u0022\u003ESpeak to local representatives about how decisions are made and how young people can have greater influence in democracy.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","label":"Mobilise: Work with others to explore what is important and how views can be represented."},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022ListContainerWrapper SCXW193110565 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli data-section-id=\u00221g992rb\u0022 data-start=\u00223230\u0022 data-end=\u00223366\u0022\u003EInvestigate why certain groups are less likely to vote and explore barriers such as awareness, confidence, or access to information.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-section-id=\u00221ai2yjc\u0022 data-start=\u00223367\u0022 data-end=\u00223475\u0022\u003EDesign a solution that improves accessibility or understanding of voting for first-time or young voters.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-section-id=\u00226baj7y\u0022 data-start=\u00223476\u0022 data-end=\u00223589\u0022\u003ECreate a campaign, resource, or activity that explains why voting matters and how it connects to everyday life.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","label":"Solve: Explore a challenge linked to democratic participation, such as awareness, access to information, or confidence in how voting works."},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022ListContainerWrapper SCXW90698466 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli data-section-id=\u002215pi8ze\u0022 data-start=\u00223687\u0022 data-end=\u00223777\u0022\u003EDevelop a resource explaining how to register and vote, and why participation matters.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-section-id=\u0022791rxg\u0022 data-start=\u00223778\u0022 data-end=\u00223892\u0022\u003ECreate a guide showing how decisions are made locally and nationally and how they affect young people\u2019s lives.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-section-id=\u00221fb09yy\u0022 data-start=\u00223893\u0022 data-end=\u00224032\u0022\u003EProduce a video, podcast, presentation, or interactive resource explaining Parliament, including the House of Commons and House of Lords.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","label":"Create: Design a simple way to help others understand how voting and elections work."}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EActivity ideas\u003C/h4\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"threeColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"","link":{"name":"Make a decision","id":null,"url":"/activities/make-a-decision/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#003982","title":"Explore how government decisions are made and the issues that matter to you.","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"","link":{"name":"Play the Paper Bin 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made.","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EDelivery guidance: Scouts and politics\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPurpose of the activity\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022160\u0022 data-end=\u0022525\u0022\u003EWhen delivering this activity, the focus should be on helping young people understand how democracy works and how decisions are made, rather than discussing or promoting any political parties or personal political views. The aim is to create a safe, balanced space where young people feel confident exploring ideas, asking questions, and forming their own opinions.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022160\u0022 data-end=\u0022525\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERole of adult volunteers\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022527\u0022 data-end=\u0022993\u0022\u003EAdult volunteers should act as facilitators rather than instructors, supporting young people to lead discussions and explore the issues that matter to them in their everyday lives, such as education, transport, the environment, local facilities, and opportunities in their communities. Conversations should be guided in a way that helps young people understand different perspectives and the role of democratic processes in shaping decisions at both local and national level.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022527\u0022 data-end=\u0022993\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECreating a safe and balanced environment\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022995\u0022 data-end=\u00221296\u0022\u003EIt is important that discussions are kept balanced, inclusive, and respectful, ensuring a safe environment where a range of views can be shared. Young people should be supported to listen to others, consider different viewpoints, and develop their own informed understanding without influence or bias.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022995\u0022 data-end=\u00221296\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESignposting information\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u00221298\u0022 data-end=\u00221573\u0022\u003EWhere helpful, adult volunteers can support young people to find reliable, age-appropriate information to explore topics further and build their confidence in engaging with democratic processes, but should avoid directing opinions or steering discussions towards particular viewpoints.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u00221298\u0022 data-end=\u00221573\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUnderstanding UK democracy in context\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u00221298\u0022 data-end=\u00221573\u0022\u003EIt is also important to recognise that democracy and decision-making can look different across the UK. 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Citizenship\u0022\u003EPolitical activities, citizenship and participation\u003C/a\u003E [POR guidance]\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUK Parliament and democracy education\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBook a tour of the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://senedd.wales/visit/education-and-youth-engagement/visit-us/youth-groups-power-and-protest/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Senedd Cymru Youth Groups website\u0022\u003ESenedd\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBook a tour of the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://learning.parliament.uk/en/well-visit-you/schools-and-colleges/?utm_campaign=1022-mar-ee-outreach-\u0026amp;utm_medium=cpc\u0026amp;utm_source=google\u0026amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA1ZGcBhCoARIsAGQ0kkrH8kOg1Wv6AaUogOIX93tiGdgFvUGN1yMrojX5W1LNWVThgl4nzzQaAsiREALw_wcB\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Schools and colleges page on the UK Government website\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?utm_campaign=1022-mar-ee-outreach-\u0026amp;utm_medium=cpc\u0026amp;utm_source=google\u0026amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA1ZGcBhCoARIsAGQ0kkrH8kOg1Wv6AaUogOIX93tiGdgFvUGN1yMrojX5W1LNWVThgl4nzzQaAsiREALw_wcB\u0022\u003EUK Parliament\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELearn more about the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://senedd.wales/visit/education-and-youth-engagement/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Education and Youth Engagement page on the Senedd Cymru website\u0022\u003ESenedd\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELearn more about\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://learning.parliament.uk/en/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Learning area on the UK Parliament website\u0022\u003EUK Parliament\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Electoral Commission\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/resources/welcome-your-vote\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Welcome to your vote page on The Electoral Commission website\u0022\u003EElectoral Commission\u003C/a\u003E has lots of resources to support this award. 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