During the American 2020 elections, Circle Surveys found that youth who were encouraged to vote or taught how to register to vote in high school are more likely to vote and participate in other civic activities.

They were also more knowledgeable about voting processes and more invested in and attentive to the 2020 election than other youth.

The survey found that young people who learned about the voting procedure earlier are more prepared for voting today. They had basic information about participating in elections and will likely engage in the electoral processes.

What is voter education?
Voter education ensures that all constituents understand their rights, the political system, and the contests they are to decide. It also helps to know how and where to vote. The process of voter education should be non- partisan, and even though the government funds it, the country’s independent electoral commission should be in charge. Efforts should focus on teaching how to vote, not whom to vote.

The civic education class in Nigeria should help explain electoral processes to young ones. This process of early voter education will help sensitise young students on the importance of participating in elections. The classes should also be dynamic as the electoral processes change slightly every time. Early voter education will stimulate and consolidate democracy.

An educated citizenry can even overcome inadequacies in administrative preparations for an election.

Importance of early voter registration. Young children will learn;
● How to register to vote
● How to fill ballot papers
● How the electoral system works

How to register to vote - Educating young ones on voter registration and how to go about it is a crucial first step in preparing them for election participation. It helps them understand that they should register to vote when they are up to 18 years old. Most democratic nations, including Nigeria, require a registration process before the election.

How to fill ballot papers - Filling the ballot paper is choosing an electorate and casting a vote. If you fill a ballot paper wrong, your vote will not count where you want it. Young children should learn this simple process. It can make for exciting practical exercises. If possible, encourage elections for positions within the school and get students to vote for their preferred candidates.

How the electoral system works - Teach young students that their votes count and encourage them to participate in elections when the time comes. Explain the voting system to them and let them know how their votes will contribute to the final result of an election.

Mtchew, Democracy/Electoral process is not working in Nigeria or anywhere in Africa. It should be scrapped totally rather than indoctrinate our kids with it