In our “Virgin voters” series, we listen to what young people and first-time voters have to say about the issues that matter most to them. Today, as you cast your vote, we ask what the experience has been like, and if you’ll be following politics closely in future.
‘It was great to see so many young people in the queue to vote’
Charlotte Hall, 20, voted at St Hildas church hall in Jesmond, Newcastle. She says:
I believe voting is fundamentally important – politics affects us all every single day and by voting, our voice can be heard. It’s the first election I’ve been eligible to vote, so I was excited this morning heading to the polling station. Living in an area with a high student population, it was great to see so many young people in the queue.
There is no excuse not to go and vote, it takes all of two minutes and is so quick and simple. As a young person, it can be frustrating when we’re continually told how apathetic we are, with our voices seemingly ignored, however I hope this will change in the future. I have become more interested in politics, and engaged with issues facing this country more over the past six months due to the election.
‘The atmosphere on the ground has been electric’
Darren Mason, 20, voted in Lancaster and Fleetwood. He says:
Voting is important, people have fought and died for the ability to vote and it’s our duty, regardless of our political opinion. Without voting, how can things change? The atmosphere on the ground has been electric. Having conversations with people with different political opinions has been good. The election has brought my interest in politics to a new level and I’m determined to continue to be involved in political campaigning to help build a better future for Britain.
‘I love the experience of voting and the atmosphere’
Beth Watt, 20, voted in Newcastle-upon-Tyne Central. She says:
I love the experience of voting and the atmosphere. I’d like to think it’s one of hopeful, affirmative action, but perhaps that’s too romanticised. I’ve always been quite politically engaged, and I’ll continue to be so after today. It’s difficult to disengage with something you’ve contributed towards and been so invested in. In future elections, lowering the voting age to 16 would get more young people engaged in politics. I felt ready to contribute at the last election but had no say.
‘The election has definitely made me more interested in politics’
Jack Stapleton, 19, voted in Brighton Pavilion. He says:
It feels brilliant to vote for something I believe in. The election has definitely made me more interested in politics, as I’ve been part of a local campaign for around six months. This has helped me engage in issues both locally and nationally. Future elections need to include some level of proportionality, so young peoples’ voices can be heard more strongly nationwide. Online voting would also boost turnout among young people – the internet is such a huge part of our lives now.
‘It feels really good to know that I have a voice’
Katherine Lea, 18, voted in lopes hall, University of Exeter. She says:
The experience wasn’t as stressful as I imagined, so the whole process was really enjoyable. It took a matter of seconds and it felt really good to know that I have a voice. I have enjoyed this election, especially as it was my first. And I will definitely continue to be interested in politics. Politics is certainly more engaging when you’re actually participating and ensuring that you use your right to vote effectively. I’ve always been interested in the voting process, but now I’ll play closer attention to see if the elected parties fulfill their promises.
‘I travelled 160 miles to vote in one of the country’s most marginal seats’
Caitlin Doherty, 19, voted in Warwickshire North. She says:
I think voting is always important, but this year more than ever: this election really matters. I really enjoyed the voting experience. After seeing all of the rules and regulations of the voting stations circulating the internet – “no discussing politics”, “be careful what you do with your phone” – I was a little worried about doing something wrong. But it was actually an easy and relaxed process.
This is a really tense time in British politics and it feels incredible to know that I’ve made an impact and taken a stand against something about which I was unhappy. I think I’ll always be interested in politics. How can a person not be?
‘It was fairly smooth and painless, but not particularly exciting’
Harry Blain, 22, voted in Islington South and Finsbury. He says:
The voting experience was fairly smooth and painless, but not particularly exciting: the first past the post electoral system really diminishes the value of the vote, especially in a safe seat. I haven’t enjoyed the run-up to the election. I spent two months in Scotland prior to the referendum – in which I wasn’t eligible to vote – and politics was in the streets. It was truly exciting and there was a real sense of people’s votes actually counting. For this election, where are the signs in people’s windows? Where are the big rallies? Unfortunately it’s been quite stale, in my opinion. The only refreshing aspect is that it wasn’t just privately educated males in all the debates.
‘I’m not sure what I’ll talk about when it’s over’
Insaf Abbas, 21, voted in Norwich South. She says:
It was exciting making my way to the polling station. Norwich South is a marginal seat so it felt like my vote was making a difference. Voting itself was quite daunting – the polling station was pretty empty with only a couple of others voting. As I left lots of students were going in though which was good to see. I’ve loved this election. The social media aspect has been great. It feels like everyone’s discussing it on Twitter and Facebook. Even this morning people were sharing statuses about voting and sending Snapchat photos on their way to the polling station. It wasn’t like this five years ago – I remember finding it dull and don’t think I would have voted even if I could. Now I’m not sure what I’ll talk about when it’s over!
The view on Twitter: what was your first time vote like for you?
@gdnstudents really scary - felt so much pressure to make the right decision. Heart beating so quickly!
— Grace Edwards (@gracey_edwards) May 7, 2015
@abbyyoungpowell @gdnstudents amazing! Thankful for all the women who fought for my right to vote. Feel empowered and proud and heard!
— Gemma Sowerby (@gemsowerby) May 7, 2015
@gdnstudents postal vote was anticlimactic. Still exciting tho!
— Angus Quinn (@Angus_Quinn17) May 7, 2015
@gdnstudents It was a bit underwhelming really. But I feel good that I've done it.
— Ben Cole (@CapnCole) May 7, 2015
@abbyyoungpowell @gdnstudents Easy!! Voted by post.
— Jamie Wright (@JWrightJourno) May 7, 2015
@abbyyoungpowell postal vote! There needs to be an online system next time though.
— Maddy Grey (@mgrey95) May 7, 2015
@abbyyoungpowell I did it by post so all very easy. But I think following it & knowing I have a voice this time has been the most exciting
— Michelle Gleaves (@michellejg) May 7, 2015
Have you voted for the first time in this general election? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below.
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• While polls remain open please refrain from disclosing your voting choices. Any comment declaring how you cast your vote will be removed by moderators owing to restrictions on polls and reporting, set out in article 66A of the Representation of the People Act 1983. Once all polling stations have closed this restriction will be lifted. Thank you for your cooperation.
