From registration to ballot box: First time voting in the general election

On 4 July 2024, people across the UK headed to the polls to cast their votes in the first UK general election since 2019. Amongst those were four DofE UK Youth Ambassadors who were all voting for the first time.

Read more about how they found the experience and why they believe it’s crucial for young people to make their voices heard.

“As an 18-year-old, this year was my first-time voting. I’ve always been aware of politicians and their roles, however until this year I hadn’t explored different parties’ policies, considered constituencies or really decided who I would vote for. In preparation for my first vote, I took a more active interest in politics and started forming my own decisions.

I voted in person and found the whole experience very accessible. My local polling station was close by and by watching the news regularly and reading each party’s manifesto I felt prepared to cast my vote.

In my opinion it is important that all young people vote in elections as policies affect us and therefore we should play our part in shaping them. Everyone has an opinion and a voice so we should use it, every vote has a role to play in shaping our future as young people and shaping the world we are going to live in.”

“My morning routine started the same as it normally did on the day of the General Election; after waking up, I like to spend a few minutes reflecting on my aims for the day. Breakfast is a crucial part of my morning, providing me with the necessary fuel to start my day. Given that it was Election Day, I spent some time reading articles and updates from various sources to stay informed about current events as well as reading through a few of the political parties’ manifestos to understand their stance on key issues and on issues that I think are important. This helped me feel more confident and informed about my choice of who to vote for.

I voted in person at a polling station. I walked with a friend to the polling station who was also putting in their first vote. Once I arrived at the polling station, I felt like I was going into an exam hall as it was so quiet and there was a long line of people voting in front of me. Overall, it was a good experience as it was a straightforward voting process: I presented my identification, received my ballot paper, and went to the voting booth. Having read up on the parties and their manifestos, I felt well-prepared to make an informed decision. The actual act of voting was quick and efficient, and I left the polling station feeling accomplished and proud to have exercised my right to vote.

The key takeaway from voting for the first time was the responsibility that comes with it and the power that voting holds. Voting is not just about choosing a candidate or a party; it is about having a say in the country’s direction and the policies that will affect our daily lives.

It’s crucial for young people to vote in elections because young people’s voices need to be heard to ensure that their interests and concerns are addressed. Voting is a fundamental democratic right that allows us to influence the governance of their country. By participating in the electoral process, young people can contribute to shaping a future that reflects their values and aspirations.”

“I have always engaged with politics, and even more so as the general election approached. With an iced latte in hand, I got to work and read online articles and political flyers to review the parties’ manifestos which I found extremely resourceful. To further my preparation for this election, I deeply familiarised each party’s background, as it helped me to understand their manifesto. I then identified key issues that meet my values and I align with.

With my current understanding of the political climate and the implications facing the country, this helped me to evaluate the relevance of the party’s manifesto. I then compared this with other manifestos and what their approach is. I found engaging in political discussions with family and friends helped offer a diverse interpretation and perspective of each party’s manifesto. To reach a general overview and help me to prepare for my decision on election day, I noted down key points, promises and policies from each manifesto, as I found this method easier to understand and remember key details. This helped me to keep a critical mind when reading the manifestos as it allowed me to reflect on the feasibility, and the potential impact of the intended policies.

The approach I took to vote was in person as I really wanted to get a feel of the entire voting process. Going into the polling station I felt prepared and decisive, although being a first-time voter can be intimidating, this voting process was very straightforward and I felt completely comfortable. It was fairly different than what I thought it would be as I thought it would be sterner; however, it was a very calm and relaxed environment where I didn’t feel any sort of pressure.

As a first-time voter, a fundamental takeaway is that my vote does count, and it holds a key value in pushing forward a greater future, both on a local and general level, I strongly believe it is imperative that us young people should vote in elections, as our vote is just as valuable as any other people, no matter the circumstances. We, as a young generation can collectively help contribute to a better system for our country through the invaluable voices we hold, as we are the future.”

Our research shows that young people are driven by global issues like climate change and human rights, but worry more about local issues such as housing costs, the economy, and the NHS. Read more about our Youth Voices 2024 research here.