New
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Can voter engagement be improved through digital participation?
I can assess if voter engagement could be improved through digital participation.
Lesson 2 of 6
New
New
- Year 9
Can voter engagement be improved through digital participation?
I can assess if voter engagement could be improved through digital participation.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Voting is essential in democracy, giving citizens a voice in decisions and holding leaders accountable.
- High voter turnout leads to more representative outcomes, strengthening the legitimacy of governments.
- Digital democracy could improve voter engagement by making political information and participation more accessible.
- Digital tools connect voters with politicians and provide opportunities for political education and feedback.
Keywords
Voting - a formal way of making a choice or decision; voting in an election is a formal way of choosing someone to represent you
Participate - the active involvement of citizens in the political process, such as voting in elections, engaging in debates, or joining political groups
Common misconception
Digital democracy means it is easier for everyone to get involved.
Digital democracy can help reduce barriers. However, not everyone has equal access to technology or the internet. Some people may struggle with digital skills or lack internet access, creating barriers to participation.
Encourage pupils to think critically about how digital tools can both improve and challenge democracy. Use real-world examples to spark discussion on how digital democracy could be made more inclusive, secure and trustworthy.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each word to the correct definition.
Match each word to the correct definition.
Q2.Which of the following best describes digital democracy?
Which of the following best describes digital democracy?
Using your phone only to play games.
Talking to your friends online.
Watching TV news every day.
Q3.Not everyone has the same level of to digital devices and the internet, which can affect their ability to take part in democracy.
Not everyone has the same level of to digital devices and the internet, which can affect their ability to take part in democracy.
Q4.How is technology helping more people take part in democracy?
How is technology helping more people take part in democracy?
by making it harder to share ideas
by banning political websites
by removing the internet from schools
Q5.A good digital citizen knows how to stay online and protect others too.
A good digital citizen knows how to stay online and protect others too.
Q6.Which of these is a challenge of digital democracy?
Which of these is a challenge of digital democracy?
It helps people learn about politics.
It makes everyone agree all the time.
It is always completely fair.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to its correct definition.
Match the word to its correct definition.
Q2.Why is voting such an important part of democracy?
Why is voting such an important part of democracy?
It lets citizens read digital books.
It helps citizens earn more money.
It helps citizens change schools.
Q3.Which of these is a way digital tools can help people vote?
Which of these is a way digital tools can help people vote?
by playing music during elections
by turning elections into video games
by letting people vote only on paper
Q4. voter turnout leads to more representative outcomes, strengthening the legitimacy of governments.
voter turnout leads to more representative outcomes, strengthening the legitimacy of governments.
Q5.Which of the following best explains why digital democracy may not be accessible to everyone?
Which of the following best explains why digital democracy may not be accessible to everyone?
Not everyone has access to the latest digital devices.
Digital democracy only works for young people.
Only those with online accounts can participate in politics.
Q6.Complete the sentence: Digital tools help voters with politicians and make it easier to learn about politics and share their opinions.
Complete the sentence: Digital tools help voters with politicians and make it easier to learn about politics and share their opinions.
