ELECTION fever has gripped the Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester.
Five students are canvassing for votes as the school holds a mock ballot to mirror tomorrow’s General Election.
The quintet are standing for each of the political parties contesting the West Dorset constituency seat.
They are:
* Ursula Oliver – Conservatives
* Antony Tucker – Labour
* Eamonn O’Malley – Liberal Democrats
* James Frost – Green Party
* Henry Love – UKIP
WATCH THE VIDEO
Each of the school’s 2,500 students have been issued with polling cards to make the election as realistic as possible.
The candidates have been making posters and recording one-minute manifestos on video. They will argue their cases at hustings on Wednesday.
Charlotte Brown, who is a history, government and politics teacher, said the national and school election campaigns had captured the imagination of students.
“The students are so excited about it and can’t stop talking about it.
“I’ve heard them in the corridors talking about it.
“It helps that they know people who are running as candidates in the school.
“We are really fortunate at Hardye’s as there is such an active interest in politics here.
“The students are really keen to find out what the different policies are.
“They have also been talking about the televised debates.”
Students will be encouraged to vote in a polling station in the sixth-form centre tomorrow before the booths close after lunch and the result is announced at 3.30pm.
The mock election comes as about 400 first-time voters in the school’s sixth-form prepare to make their choices in the General Election as well.
The school has already held a question time with the five West Dorset candidates for the General Election facing students’ questions.
Miss Brown said: “The aim of the mock election is to help students become more aware of politics and how to vote.”
She added that students at the school were exploding the myth that young people were not interested in politics and voting.
“It’s the reverse here,” she said.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel