From classrooms to ballot boxes: 1,800 pupils cast votes in Mid and East Antrim author election

Children from Carniny Primary School and St. Colmcille’s Primary School taking part in the Top Children's Author Election in 2025

Almost 1,800 primary school pupils across Mid and East Antrim will head to the polls on World Book Day as part of a special ‘Top Children’s Author Election’ marking Democracy Week 2026.

Seventeen primary schools from across the borough are participating in the initiative, which sees ten Northern Ireland children’s writers vying for the votes of young readers.

The election will take place on Thursday 5 March, combining a celebration of books with practical lessons in democratic participation.

The event is organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and has been expanded this year to include an Author’s Roadshow designed to engage pupils ahead of polling day.

Children’s Laureate to visit Ballymena schools

A pupil from Carniny Primary School taking part in the Top Children's Author Election in 2025

As part of the programme, Ireland’s Children’s Literature Laureate, Patricia Forde, will visit Ballymena before the election. The author and illustrator will meet pupils from Carniny Primary School and St Colmcille’s Primary School.

Following the vote, pupils from the two schools will take on the responsibility of counting the ballots at The Braid on Friday 6 March, giving them first-hand experience of the electoral process.

The initiative not only promotes reading but also introduces pupils to the mechanics of campaigning, public speaking, debating and voting — skills designed to help them understand how democratic systems influence everyday life.

Mayor encourages youth engagement

Election boxes for the Top Children's Author Election 2026

Speaking ahead of the Democracy Week 2026 events, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said:

“Democracy Week is an opportunity for us to encourage civic engagement between our citizens and the roles of local elected representatives.

“As Mayor I look forward to meeting our younger residents and helping them understand how they can engage in politics to shape decisions and ultimately build their confidence to vote.

“I am buoyed to see so many of our primary schools involved, showing there is significant value educationally in having children participate in this opportunity - not just through reading, but the wider lessons on debating, public speaking, campaigning and learning how democracy directly impacts their daily lives.

“Their voices, opinions and future votes matter in shaping their communities and Mid and East Antrim, and I look forward to speaking to many of the pupils during the week.”

Throughout Democracy Week, local schools will visit the Mayor to learn more about his civic role, while residents across the borough will have opportunities to meet councillors at a series of public roundtable events.

Public events and keynote address

The US Consul General to Northern Ireland, James Applegate, will deliver a keynote address at The Braid on Wednesday 4 March.

Residents interested in attending can register by emailing: Members.services@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.

Roundtable events with councillors will take place from 7pm to 9pm at Larne Town Hall on Tuesday 3 March, Carrickfergus Town Hall on Thursday 5 March, and at The Braid in Ballymena on Friday 6 March.

Attendance can be confirmed by emailing: Members.Services@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.

By combining literature with civic education, the council’s Democracy Week programme aims to encourage participation across generations, while giving young people a practical introduction to how voting and representation shape their communities.