MORE than one thousand 18 year olds in Redditch are being urged to cast their first vote in the elections taking place on June 10.
The Electoral Commission is keen to increase participation levels among young people, who are currently among the least likely to turn out and vote.
In the 2001 General Election, MORI estimated only 39 per cent of 18-24 year olds voted, with turnout in local elections even lower.
Beccy Earnshaw, outreach manager at The Electoral Commission, said: "For many young people, the June 10 elections will be their first chance to use their vote to influence matters that they care about.
"Both local and European political institutions have a huge impact on things that effect young people in their daily lives such as the transport and education systems, the environment and policing."
A total of 1,065 Redditch teenagers will be eligible to cast their first vote in the forthcoming elections.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article