Voting is one of the most influential ways we can shape the society around us. It gives us a voice in decisions that affect our daily lives, from housing and education to healthcare and jobs. But for many care leavers, accessing this right can feel complex and out of reach.
The introduction of Voter ID laws has made voting even harder for groups already facing systemic barriers, including care leavers. These new laws require voters to present specific forms of identification at polling stations- a seemingly simple step that, for many care-experienced young people, is anything but straightforward.
Imagine trying to navigate voter registration while living in temporary accommodation or managing the transition to independent living. Care leavers are more likely to have additional challenges in obtaining some of these official documents such as passports and driving licenses due to financial costs of these and frequently having to move home. Add to that the lack of tailored support or understanding from those implementing these new policies, and it’s easy to see how care leavers may feel excluded from the democratic process.
Funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA) in partnership with Partnership for young London this workshop aims to raise awareness and empower care experienced young people. The GLA has provided the opportunity to ensure this event is accessible to all care leavers, supporting them with the voter registration rights and barriers to engaging in the democratic process.
All resources has been sent out to boroughs to share information to their care leavers.
This upcoming workshop is about breaking down those barriers; it’s to equip care leavers with the tools and knowledge to register to vote and make their voices heard. It’s also about opening a conversation to understand the unique challenges care leavers face when it comes to accessing their democratic rights.
By bringing care leavers together, we can:
Raise awareness of the new voter ID requirements and how to meet them.
Share practical steps to navigate the registration and voting process.
Create a space for advocacy, where care leavers can share their experiences and shape solutions.
Voting is about more than ticking a box- it’s about having a say in the policies that shape your future. When care leavers are excluded from voting, their voices are absent from decisions that directly impact their lives.
This workshop is part of a bigger picture to ensuring that every care leaver knows that their voice matters. It’s about showing young people from care-experienced backgrounds, that they have the power to influence change and hold leaders to account.
This isn’t just important for care leavers, it’s important for all of us. A truly representative democracy must include everyone, and that includes young people with lived experience of the care system.
If you’re a care leaver, or you know someone who is, I encourage you to join us for this workshop.
In these workshops we will be exploring the intersectionality of the barriers care leavers face when it comes to obtaining a voter ID and engaging in the democratic process.
We recognise care leavers often face barriers such as social economic factors, housing instability and lack of access to services.
To address these challenges we have partnered with 10 care champions to deliver workshops on barriers care leavers face. Allowing care leavers to address and look up solutions when it comes to engaging in the democratic process.
Supported by the GLA and PYL.Your voice matters and so does your vote.
Comments