§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what plans he has to encourage(a) young and (b) first-time voters to vote at the next General Election. [186873]
§ Mr. LeslieThe Government are keen to ensure that all young people are encouraged to play as full a part as possible in all our democratic processes.
A range of initiatives, such as citizenship education in schools and the UK Youth Parliament, assist this aim. At the last General Election we sought to bring this learning to life for young people by working with partners to provide mock elections in schools and colleges. We are considering how to take forward such initiatives in future elections.
In addition, the Independent Electoral Commission established under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendum Act 2000, whose remit includes educating and informing people on electoral matters, makes special efforts to target young people especially those who are on the point of attaining the right to vote.
However, the main responsibility for encouraging young and first-time voters to participate at the next General Election must lie with the political parties.