Your vote matters

Everyone over 16 is entitled to vote in the local elections and I would encourage young people to vote if they can. It is really important for young people to take the opportunity to have their views included.

By voting we shape the future of our local area. That impacts ourselves and everyone around us. Voting also allows us to hold local councillors accountable for the decisions they make that affect us.

There have been times where local authorities did not have to listen to young people aged 16-18, they did not have to think about the impact of their decisions on us. But our vote, YOUR vote changes that, because we can now vote! We are in a wonderful position to remind local councillors that we have a voice and they cannot ignore us.

So I would ask everyone to vote, but especially young people  – please take the opportunity to make a difference. Your vote matters.