BA (Hons) History and Politics<\/a> student, take up the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOne method which worked surprisingly well on the day was co-created poetry. As we chatted with people about voting, and their opinions on politics and democracy, we asked them for words which summed up their feelings. We and our participants were impressed with the results which provided a clear distillation of their opinions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are just a few:<\/p>\n\n\n\nVote Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote VoteIt became clear that the public was neither apathetic nor apolitical as is too readily assumed. However, although many people saw the importance of voting, there was a feeling of disillusionment in the system and concern that Skelmersdale had been neglected and would continue to be. So, we did experience a very disgruntled and disillusioned public, but that didn\u2019t mean they were not politically literate. And people seemed to relish the opportunity to get involved and express their feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I informed people that I am studying History and Politics for my degree, they frequently turned the tables and asked me questions. Many were interested in what I study and what I think about politics, as well as asking for guidance. Despite staying politically neutral, I found myself opening up too. I shared my own feelings about politics and voting and gave out the guidance people wanted. I noticed how many people were unsure where to get information on the General Election and the candidates they could vote for. I pointed them in the direction of the Electoral Commission website and the \u2018Who Can I Vote For?\u2019 website. I also advised them to get in contact with West Lancashire Borough Council and to do some research on what policies are most important to them to really feel secure about who they would like to vote for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I wasn\u2019t the only one giving guidance and advice. Others shared knowledge of the option to spoil the ballot paper as a preferable alternative to not voting because spoilt ballot papers are counted. And one member of our team managed to change the mind of a disgruntled participant when it came to voting in the General Election. His co-created poem reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vote<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not me<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lying, corrupting, false-promising<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everyone should vote<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sh**-show<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet after his encounter with us he agreed to \u2018give it a go, this time\u2019. Although we found some of the stories of hopelessness hard to hear, we left Skelmersdale feeling enriched by our encounters and with a sense of hope. People felt strongly about voting, were curious about what we were doing and were very open to talking with us. I think I speak for the team when I say we all learnt something new, and we\u2019re grateful that we had the opportunity to have these important conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Dr](\"http:\/\/blogs.edgehill.ac.uk\/higss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/412\/2024\/07\/VictoriaFoster.jpg\")
<\/figure>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.edgehill.ac.uk\/higss\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/412\/2024\/07\/image.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n