My First-Time Voting: A Day as a Poll Clerk

For most people, voting for the first time in a General Election is exciting and memorable, and for DofE Youth Ambassador, Zara, it was a different kind of memorable as she worked the day at her local polling station as a poll clerk. She found the day eye-opening, particularly at the lack of young voters. Zara’s experience highlighted the importance of youth participation in elections to ensure their voices are heard and their interests represented.

Hi! My name is Zara, and I’m 19 years-old from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. After the general election, I wanted to share the experience of not only voting for the first time but also working as a poll clerk for the day. It was eye-opening in so many ways, particularly seeing the voting process from the inside and observing the participation of different age groups. My interest in politics has been growing over the past few years, spurred by the realisation that the decisions made by our leaders profoundly impacts our daily lives, especially as young people. So, when the opportunity arose to work as a poll clerk, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to contribute to the democratic process in a more meaningful way than just casting my vote.

My day started early, at 5am. I wanted to make sure I was fully prepared for both of my roles that day. I reviewed my responsibilities as a poll clerk and took a final look at the manifestos of the parties I was interested in. It was important to me to be informed, not just as a voter, but also as someone facilitating the voting process. As a poll clerk, I arrived at the polling station by 6am to help set up. This included ensuring all the materials were in place and the booths were ready. Throughout the day, I assisted voters, answered questions, and made sure the process ran smoothly. I voted early in the morning as this was the quietest time of the day! The process was straightforward but seeing it from the other side gave me a new appreciation for the work involved in maintaining a fair and orderly system. I felt well-prepared, having familiarised myself with the procedures for the day.

One of the most surprising and somewhat disappointing aspects of the day was the noticeable lack of young voters. Despite the significant issues at stake, it seemed that young people were underrepresented. As the day progressed, this became more apparent. Many voters were middle-aged or older, and while their participation is crucial, the absence of a younger demographic was stark.

Key takeaway: The Importance of Young Voices

Working a 15-hour shift at the polling station was exhausting but incredibly rewarding. My key takeaway from this experience is the critical importance of young people participating in elections. Our voices matter, and our votes can shape the future. Voting is not just a right but a responsibility, especially for young people who will live with the consequences of these decisions the longest. It’s essential for all young people to recognise the power of their vote. Both local and general elections determine key policies and leadership that impact everything from education to the environment. By voting, we ensure our voices are heard and our interests represented. If we want change, we must be willing to be a part of the process that makes it happen.

My first general election was an unforgettable experience. Not only did I exercise my right to vote, but I also contributed to the democratic process as a poll clerk. I urge every young person to engage in politics, stay informed, and most importantly, vote.

Let’s make sure our voices are part of the conversation and that our generation is represented in the decisions that shape our future.

Young people have told us they don’t feel listened to when it comes to the major issues and decisions that shape our world. We spoke to more than 3,000 young people from across the UK for Youth Voices 2024 – giving them a platform to share their hopes, worries and priorities for the future. Read our Youth Voices report here.