17 Apr 2009
The Electoral Commission is marking the 40th anniversary of the reduction of the voting age from 21 to 18 by urging young people to make sure that they are registered to vote.
On 17 April 1969, Royal Assent was given to the 1969 Representation of the People Act, giving 18 to 20 year olds the right to vote in elections for the first time.
However, research by the Electoral Commission has consistently shown that 18-24 year olds are less likely to take part in elections.
"We know that many people in this age group have strong political views," says Karen Quaintmere, Head of Electoral Administration for the Electoral Commission. "It's possible that they don't realise that they need to register first in order to vote. When they lived at home, one of their parents probably took care of this for them. Now that they are living in college or rented accommodation, or have even bought their first home, they need to register to vote.
"Our message is: don't let anything stop you having your say in the elections on 4 June," says Karen. "The deadline to register to vote is 19 May. It just takes a few minutes: go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk and print off a registration form or call your local authority and ask for one. The voting age was lowered because your views count - they still do, so don't lose the chance to make yourself heard!"
/ends
For further information about registration or other aspects of the June elections contact:
Electoral Commission Press office
Telephone: 0207 271 0704
Out of office hours: 07789 920 414
Email press@electoralcommission.org.uk
Notes to editors
1. To register to vote, or for more information, including to visit our virtual polling station, visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
2. You can register to vote if you live in the UK and are aged 18 or over on polling day and a British, Irish Republic, EU or qualifying Commonwealth citizen. British citizens living overseas are also eligible to vote if they have been registered in the UK in the past ten years. Members of the UK armed forces serving abroad can also vote.
3. The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. We provide guidance to ensure a well run electoral registration process and well run elections. The responsibility for running elections and overseeing the count lies with Returning Officers and the Electoral Commission reports afterwards on the administration of elections in the UK.
