Who would under-18s vote for? - April 29, 2010

Find out what young people think about the policies, politicians and parties in the 2010 general election

Monday 26 April - Friday 14 May

www.headsup.org.uk

A lively debate is happening on the current HeadsUp forum for 11-18 year-olds, arguing about who they would vote for if they could and why? The young people are debating policy proposals, TV Leaders' debates and the impact of gaffes, with many certain about voting intentions if they had the chance.

Although under-18s can't vote, they still have very informed and diverse opinions on politics, politicians and the political parties, visit HeadsUp.org.uk to see more.

So far a variety of views have been expressed in the forum thread Who would you vote for?, such as:

I would vote for Lib Dems because they would most likely introduce a new voting system that I think would improve the general election for future years. I also think that this country needs change, and although that is the campaign of the conservatives, we have not had Lib Dems for a long time:; it would be a great change for Britain.

 The reason I would vote for conservatives is because I dont really think much of Lib Dem's, I'm sorry, but i dont. I also wouldn't vote for labour is because gordon brown hates the idea of grammer schools, and if he had his way then all the grammer schools would shut down, and my school would too!

 I think the Greens should get to run the coutry! They are focused on the enviroment which is what we need right now! If they inforce some laws anout being more Green global warming will be gone in no time!!!

Other themes up for debate are (click on the link to access the forums):

• Do political parties speak to young people? - How do you want politicians to communicate? What would political parties have to do to get your attention?
• Why do so few young people vote? - Do you think it's a problem that so few young people vote? Do young people care about politics?
• My big issue - what's the big issue of the election for you? What issue would you like the parties to focus more on?

HeadsUp is an online debating space for 11-18 year-olds, run by the independent and non-partisan Hansard Society, to enable young people to discuss their views on political issues with their peers and influential decision-makers. It aims to build levels of political awareness and participation so that young people can play an effective role in the democratic processes affecting their lives. HeadsUp is also a space that politicians and political parties can use to consult with young people and find out their ideas, experiences and opinions. Politicians taking part are:

• David Blunkett (MP for Sheffield Brightside since 1987 & current Labour candidate)
• Philip Davies (MP for Shipley since 2005 & current Conservative candidate)
• Clare Short (Former Labour and Independent MP for Birmingham Ladywood)
• David Kidney (MP for Stafford since 1997 & current Labour candidate)
• Linda Gilroy (MP for Plymouth Sutton since 1997 & current Labour candidate)

For more information please contact Kate Egglestone/Virginia Gibbons, mediaprog@hansard.lse.ac.uk or 020 7438 1210

Editors' Notes

• HeadsUp (http://www.headsup.org.uk/content/) is an innovative website where 11-18s debate political issues and learn about the political process. The site is a non-partisan, cross-party educational resource that provides a secure, structured and student-centred discussion platform.
• Two ways to register to participate in HeadsUp:

1. Young People - If you are under 18 and want to get in on the action you need to complete the Student Sign Up Form.
2. Teachers/youth workers - can register a whole class/school year/group by completing our Teachers Registration Form.

• All HeadsUp forums are open to be viewed and the debate followed by the public. Participants need to register or login to post comments (11-18s and supporting teachers/youth workers only).
• The project is part-funded by the House of Commons.
• There are 868 schools registered on HeadsUp.