In a groundbreaking first for Further Education in England, Trafford and Stockport College Group has launched a pioneering auto-enrolment voter registration service for 16-year-olds, making it a trailblazer for other colleges across the country.
The initiative, which has already seen 1000 students register to vote, is being hailed as a model for engaging young people with the democratic process.
Led by Michelle McLaughlin MBE, Head of Personal and Professional Development in partnership with Stockport Council, local MPs, and Purpose Union, the voter registration service has been seamlessly integrated into the college’s student enrolment process.
The trial, initially rolled out for students living in Stockport (postcode areas SK1 to SK8), has already resulted in 966 students being auto enrolled, representing 51% of eligible students. An additional 54 students have been supported to register via the government website.
“We are proud to be at the forefront of such an important initiative, leading the way for other colleges to follow suit,” Michelle said. “While universities have already implemented automatic voter registration, this is the first time a Further Education college has taken such a step, and the success we’ve seen so far proves it’s the right direction.”
James Scott, Principal and CEO of Trafford and Stockport College Group, echoed this sentiment:
“This initiative is a game-changer for the sector. By integrating voter registration into the enrolment process, we are actively encouraging civic engagement among our students and supporting their transition to adulthood. We are incredibly proud to be leading the charge, and we hope that other colleges will soon adopt similar models.”
With 6,000 students passing through the enrolment process, the college saw this as a unique opportunity to ensure young people don’t miss out on their first chance to participate in democracy.
The initiative also reflects growing momentum across the UK to extend voting rights to younger people, building on successful efforts in Scotland and Wales.
Leela Alam, a student enrolling for A Levels in Law, Politics, and Sociology, praised the initiative:
“I registered to vote whilst enrolling for my A Levels. I think it’s amazing that we’re given the opportunity to do this.
“The fact that this is available at enrolment gives you a better understanding and makes you more aware. Not a lot of people know you can do this or how to sign up.
“I think it’s really important for young people to vote – the government need and want young people’s opinions. I’d say to other young people to get involved – we’re going to be the ones to drive change.”
Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, is a strong advocate for youth engagement in politics and was quick to praise the initiative:
“This voter auto-registration scheme is an outstanding example of how we can inspire young people to take an active role in our democracy from an early age.
“By integrating the process into student enrolment, Trafford and Stockport College Group is removing barriers and encouraging civic responsibility.
“I’m confident this will lead to a more engaged, informed electorate and set a precedent for other colleges across the country.
“It’s vital we continue to empower our young citizens to make their voices heard, and this initiative is a brilliant step forward.”
Rebecca Durber, Area Director North East and Senior Policy Lead Skills Reform, Association of Colleges, also championed the initiative, saying:
“It’s brilliant to see this pioneering work from Trafford and Stockport College Group on auto-enrolment, and I’m thrilled they’ve had such a huge number of students register to vote in such a short space of time.
“It seems like such a simple idea, but I know the hard work and dedication that has gone into making this a reality.
“The impact it will have on the democratic engagement in the local community can’t be underestimated, and I really hope that other colleges learn from this example, so this good practice can spread across the country.”
The college’s long-standing commitment to political engagement is already evident through its successful programmes like Student Question Time, Mood Box Monday, and debate clubs in collaboration with local MPs. The voter registration initiative is seen as the “icing on the cake,” according to Michelle, who hopes it will serve as a template for the Association of Colleges (AoC) to roll out nationally.
“This is a monumental step for our students, for democracy, and for the entire Further Education sector,” Michelle concluded. “We’re thrilled to be pioneering this initiative, and I truly believe it has the potential to make a lasting difference not only for our students but for young people across the country.”
The Trafford and Stockport College Group’s voter registration initiative is a shining example of how educational institutions can empower the next generation to take their first steps toward becoming active, engaged citizens.
