We dig democracy! OppNotts looks at voting & Primary Parliament
You’ve probably seen on the news or elsewhere that there’s a general election happening in a few weeks’ time. This is the biggest election in the UK. It’s about picking a new government and must happen at least once every five years. Everyone in the UK who is registered to vote (the deadline for registering it today – 22nd May – so make sure your parents and carers are registered!) can have a say in choosing the next government. One Member of Parliament (MP) is elected from each of the UK’s 650 parliamentary constituencies.
Each registered voter gets one ballot paper. They mark it with a cross next to the name of their chosen candidate. The candidate who gets more votes than any other becomes an MP. This is called first past the post. When the MPs have been chosen, the leader of the largest group (political party) gets asked to form a government.
We have something similar for you too in Nottingham: Primary Parliament – where 4 delegates from each primary school come together in the Council House in the Old Market Square to work together, take part in workshops and discuss ideas to make Nottingham better for you, both in school and out. Then the ideas that are dreamed up by the brilliant school representatives are taken up into the council chamber in the top of the Council House and voted on you! No grown-ups get a vote, this is about hearing your voice! These votes are led by people who have the power to make a difference like city officials Councillor Mellen (pictured – who is standing to be an MP!) and Councillor Webster.
Want to take part in Primary Parliament? Get in touch – it’s free!
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