Voting & Politics

Young people can influence how the country is run, for example 2.5 million young people under the age of 25 failed to vote in the 1992 general election and 2,400 votes could have changed the result! You can let things happen to you or you can help shape the way things develop by becoming involved.

To be able to vote, you must be 18 or over on the day of the election and have your name on the Electoral Register. Check at your local Council Offices that you are registered.

To have your name included on the Electoral Register, it must be entered on the form that is delivered to households each year in July/August. The form asks for the names of all those aged 17 and others living in the household. (17 because young people might turn 18 by the time the Register is published)

Attend the local ‘Surgeries’ held by MPs, M.Y.P’s (Member of Youth Parliament) and local Councillors and put your views forward. Join one of the political parties and attend the local ward meetings where issues are discussed and campaigns organised. For addresses, look under ‘Political Parties’ in the Thomson Directory or Yellow Pages. For further information contact:

The British Youth Council
1 Downstream Building
1 London Bridge
SE1 9BG
Tel: 0845 458 1489
Fax: 0845 458 1847
www.byc.org.uk