The head of the UK’s elections watchdog has called for schools to begin teaching democracy lessons to children as young as 11. This move is intended to prepare them for the new voting age of 16, which is set to come into effect at the next election.

Vijay Rangarajan, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, emphasized the importance of starting democratic education early to help young people understand the voting process and the principles of democracy. He announced that the Commission will provide impartial educational materials to schools, ensuring students receive a balanced view of politics.

Rangarajan also urged teachers to keep their personal political views separate from classroom lessons. He stressed that schools should be neutral spaces where students can learn about democracy without bias.

Currently, democratic education is primarily aimed at those aged 14 and above, but with the voting age lowering to 16, the Electoral Commission plans to extend this education to younger children starting at 11. This will give students several years of learning before they become eligible to vote.

The move comes as part of a wider effort to boost political engagement among young people and make sure they are well-informed voters when they turn 16. The Electoral Commission’s initiative will help ensure that young people understand how elections work, the importance of voting, and the role of government in their daily lives.

By encouraging schools to provide early and impartial democracy lessons, the Electoral Commission hopes to create a generation of informed and confident young voters ready to participate in the democratic process.

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