Voting

Democracy needs your vote

Young people can be very enthusiastic about political action. Often this enthusiasm is channelled into specific issues such as animal rights or the environment rather than party politics. Young people often get into politics at university or college, and there are mock elections in most schools. Britain has a long history of democratic politics and opportunities exist to participate in this democracy at many different levels. One of the most fundamental is your right to vote both in national and local elections, as well as European elections.

There are other ways to become involved in the political process. You can lobby your MP on an issue of concern. Many council committee meetings are open to the public and you can make your comments on local affairs to your elected councillors. You can frequently contact a councilor by email these days too.

There are also many organisations that promote the involvement of young people in politics, including youth councils and the youth sections of lobby groups and issue campaigns.

Registering to vote

There have been various attempts over the years to encourage young people to register to vote, and public figures such as comedian Eddie Izzard have played a big part in promoting European politics. There have also been campaigns to involve more Black young people in politics and to encourage them to vote. They have met with varying degrees of success.

You can vote as long as you are on the Electoral Register and:

• over 18 years old;
• not a peer of the realm;
• not doing time in prison;
• have full British citizenship.

If you are on the electoral register you can vote in local and national elections. But you must confirm that you are living in the area in the year before the Electoral Register is published.

The Electoral Register is updated on a yearly basis. So if you are 18 next year you can put your name down for the register of the coming year, even though you are 17. If you have questions about being eligible to vote contact the Electoral Registrar in your local authority.