School Elections at Creunant Primary School

Prospective politicians of the future have been given an insight into local democracy this week.

As part of Local Democracy Week, Creunant Primary School came under the spotlight on Wednesday, when it held its school council election.

Pupils of all ages from the Dulais Valley school were encouraged to take part in their annual election as a way of helping them to start to understand how the process of voting works and why it is such an important part of our society.

The school holds elections each year to allow the children to put forward any ideas they consider to be important, such as suggestions for new playground games or sports equipment as well as officially representing the school when required. Neath Port Talbot Council's electoral services team were also on hand to assist teachers at the school to run the election and explain the democratic process to pupils

Rhys George, electoral services manager said: "It was great to see the pupils taking such an active part as candidates, poll clerks and electors in running their own election, their enthusiasm and interest in the democratic process was truly infectious!"

He added: "To assist all Neath Port Talbot schools in running their own elections, we have produced and designed an information pack which contains everything required to run a basic election including, poll cards, notices, ballot papers and guidance for teachers, all of which is available to download from Neath Port Talbot website."

Before staging the poll the children were given a short presentation on why voting is important and electoral stationery and equipment such as ballot boxes, poll cards and polling screens were used to explain to the children how the process of voting works. The election also had the added value of reminding the children's parent's of the importance of using their own vote at local and parliamentary elections.

During the election each pupil was issued with two ballot papers and asked to vote for one boy and girl candidate who they thought would best represent their class on the school council.

Returning Officer for Neath Port Talbot, Steven Phillips, said, "Once you have the right to vote it means you have a direct say in who will take important decisions in issues that affect your life as a young person, such as leisure activities and public transport.

"The right to vote is one of the most important rights you can have in a democratic society."