Pupils go to the polls as candidates dangle prospect of homework ban

POLLING day came early for students of a Wicklow primary school as they cast their votes for politicians from a pool of sixth-class candidates.

The mini-election took place yesterday at Carysfort National School, Arklow when the official polling booths were set up and votes were cast.

An enthusiastic campaign ran in recent weeks with heartfelt promises of free lollipops for all and all-day PE classes were made, as well as a proposed ban on homework in the hope of gaining valuable votes.

Even the teachers were enticed to vote with the pledge of a staff sauna should the right candidate be elected.

The project, which runs at Carysfort N.S. during each General Election campaign, proved very popular and went a long way to educating the children of how the voting system works and what elections are all about.

‘The children canvassed up until Thursday and were very enthusiastic about the election. It went down really well,’ said Principal Janet Nuzum.