National Voter Registration Day

Wednesday 5th February was the first ever National Voter Registration Day. The organisers, Bite the Ballot, are particularly encouraging young people to add their name to the electoral register. Although you must be 18 to vote, anyone aged 16 or above can register. Young people aged between 16 and 24 are currently the most under-represented age group on the electoral register.

As well as giving you a say in how you are governed, locally, nationally and at European level, being registered is important because it can help when applying for a student loan, opening a bank account, or buying a mobile phone – in fact anything to do with finance. Lenders use the electoral register to investigate potential borrowers, so once you are on the list credit reference agencies will be able to verify who you are.

Following a Lib Dem council motion, South Glos Council has been working with local schools on a special campaign to encourage young people to register for their vote. Since it started, the number of young people registered has increased. More information on how to register is available on the South Glos website.