"On Election Day, most of the over 18 population had a chance to change the way the country was run. We may think that politics is for adults but it's just because, this is totally wrong. I’m only 16 but I managed to help make the decision just as someone over 18. I am the youth officer for the Labour Party in Colchester and I play a major role amongst the party."
"I, just like many other supporters, gave up my free time to help with the campaign. The first major role I had to play was in Canvassing. Along side Councillors, the prospective MP and the MEP (member of European Parliament. Canvassing is knocking on people’s votes and asking whom they will vote for. This gives us a perspective to see how well or bad we will do and also helps on the day to find out how many people have turned out and who we need to get out to vote. If you were nervous and could not face the public there are other jobs you could help with, like posting leaflets etc."
"One the day of the election I had the job of being a teller. It was great! I found myself talking to people whose life is completely different to mine. My job was to ask people for their voting number. This would help us to find out who has voted, letting us guess how well or in some cases how bad we were doing. All the major parties had Tellers on most of the polling station doors. I had a Lib-Dem on my right and a Tory on my left. Most people who have never been in this situation would think that we would all sit in silence apart from the odd rude remark, I thought this before I had the chance to do the job. I couldn't have been more wrong! Lets put it this way, the Tory has a cat called Bertie, it has a limp due to the poor treatment it had before she housed it. On the other side, the Lib Dem’s son is called Ben and has a new red bike that and on his first ride he fell off and strapped his arm."
"The rest of the day didn't resemble Mrs Allen’s math class (boring!) as there was always something going on. You had the last minute rush to get as many people as you can to vote, the madness at the party centres or the on going pot of curry which was put under the nose of everyone who walked through the door even if you did not like it. The excitement of the day built up right through the night. The count was held at the Town Hall and the atmosphere was so intense. You had the joking banter from all parties, which was harmless fun. The crowds around the tables (which I would find very off putting). Finally to cap it all off the results. Deep down you know that either your heart was going to feel broken of overwhelmed. Sadly there can only be one winner, which is chosen by the majority of the votes. Whatever the outcome you will always feel "I have done my bit, I worked hard but next time: I’m going to work harder". This will always give you the drive to be there next time."