Here is a story:
My daughter, Jess, is 17 and has had no interest in politics, politicians or government at all, ever. Even more vehemently so because I am her Mum and it is something I am passionate about!
Last week I was mooching around the ‘how should I vote’ apps, of which there are many, just testing them to see what questions they were asking and to see if my politics still chimed with the party I vote for.
Anyway, I said to Jess, “Just come over here and let’s see who you would vote for”, so she did and worked her way through the questions, getting more and more engaged.
After five minutes of answering questions and thinking about her views she pressed ‘go’ and got ‘her’ party she was ecstatic!
“I am [redacted party name :)] Mum!” she exclaimed.
The next night the leader’s debate was on, and she wanted to know who ‘her’ politician was. She cheered his words and was skeptical about others. She can now take part in conversations that were wholly irrelevant before, where she felt she had no knowledge or right, therefore interest in, taking part. She is interested in who others support, and why but in a normal way, not a total politics geek way. What’s more, she has the loyalty of a teenager who has found their group, their gang.
And it took five minutes.
She can’t vote until later this year, so will miss this general election, but you can bet your bottom dollar she is voting in all and every election she can from now on.
And she cares.
Five minutes, that’s all it took.
A list of voting choice apps are provided here by My Society have a go, it might work for you! I do wonder whether the political parties are aware of this…
Emma Mulqueeny 