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Year 9

Can voter engagement be improved through digital participation?

I can assess if voter engagement could be improved through digital participation.

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New
New
Year 9

Can voter engagement be improved through digital participation?

I can assess if voter engagement could be improved through digital participation.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Voting is essential in democracy, giving citizens a voice in decisions and holding leaders accountable.
  2. High voter turnout leads to more representative outcomes, strengthening the legitimacy of governments.
  3. Digital democracy could improve voter engagement by making political information and participation more accessible.
  4. 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.


To help you plan your year 9 citizenship lesson on: Can voter engagement be improved through digital participation?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match each word to the correct definition.
Correct Answer:digital citizenship,using technology responsibly and safely when online

using technology responsibly and safely when online

Correct Answer:misinformation,false or misleading information shared online

false or misleading information shared online

Correct Answer:privacy,keeping personal information safe from others

keeping personal information safe from others

Q2.
Which of the following best describes digital democracy?
Using your phone only to play games.
Correct answer: Using digital tools to support democracy and civic engagement.
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.
Correct Answer: access
Q4.
How is technology helping more people take part in democracy?
by making it harder to share ideas
by banning political websites
Correct answer: by making voting and discussion quicker and more accessible
by removing the internet from schools
Q5.
A good digital citizen knows how to stay online and protect others too.
Correct Answer: safe, secure
Q6.
Which of these is a challenge of digital democracy?
It helps people learn about politics.
Correct answer: It can spread false information quickly.
It makes everyone agree all the time.
It is always completely fair.

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the word to its correct definition.
Correct Answer:democracy,when people vote to choose their leaders

when people vote to choose their leaders

Correct Answer:voter turnout,the percentage of people who vote in an election

the percentage of people who vote in an election

Correct Answer:voting,the activity of choosing someone or something in an election

the activity of choosing someone or something in an election

Correct Answer:participate,refers to the active involvement of citizens in the political process

refers to the active involvement of citizens in the political process

Q2.
Why is voting such an important part of democracy?
Correct answer: It lets citizens help run the country.
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?
by playing music during elections
Correct answer: by helping people register to vote and cast their vote
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.
Correct Answer: High, Higher, Increased
Q5.
Which of the following best explains why digital democracy may not be accessible to everyone?
Not everyone has access to the latest digital devices.
Correct answer: Some people lack digital skills or internet access.
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.
Correct Answer: connect, interact