Hundreds of young people march to make their voice heard

Music video producer and entrepreneur Jamal Edwards led hundreds of young people on a march to Islington Town Hall as 500 youngsters joined the borough’s electoral register.

The march, on National Voter Registration Day, was organised by Citizens UK and Bite the Ballot to encourage more young people to register to vote.

Mayor of Islington, Theresa Debono, and Islington Council’s Chief Executive, Lesley Seary, met the group on the steps of Town Hall accepting the boxes of completed forms. By joining the register these 500 youngsters are able vote for the first time, in the General Election on 7 May.

Being listed on the register can also help with credit ratings, making it easier to get phone or TV contracts or even rent or buy a property, as credit agencies use the register to confirm an applicant’s address.

Lesley Seary said, “It’s great to see so many young people wanting to engage in democracy. It’s important for people of all ages to be on the register so they can have their say in local and national events like choosing the next government. Registering to vote is easy to do and takes only a couple of minutes.”

Residents need to apply to be on the electoral roll by 20 April to vote in the General Election and ensure their voice is heard.

To register visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, call 020 7527 3110, or email electoral.services@islington.gov.uk.