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Text a friend to register to vote

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Warrington Borough Council is backing a national campaign to encourage young adults to register to vote by getting friends to send each other a text message.

Using the power of social media, the Electoral Commission’s campaign, #RegAFriend, seeks to get young people to register to vote online and then tell their friends to do the same via a text message.

Steven Broomhead, acting returning officer for the borough of Warrington said: “We are supporting this campaign to inspire young people in Warrington to register to vote ahead of the May 2016 elections.

“We urgently need to encourage the younger generation to register to vote. If large numbers of young people don’t participate in our democracy, then their concerns and aspirations will not be heard. Decision-makers at local, national, and international levels are making decisions every day that affect our lives, and if you’re not registered and voting, you’re letting others speak for you.

“Registering to vote is the first step in having your voice heard, and your opinions counted.”

The process is quick and easy. Register to vote online at gov.uk/register-to-vote, then create your own original voter cross – you can make your cross out of anything you like – a drumstick cross, two pencils, or even your socks!  – then take a photo of it and send it to your friends via Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #RegAFriend. and the online registration link gov.uk/register-to-vote.

There are many benefits to registering to vote. You need to be registered to be able to obtain credit; it helps you to buy a mobile phone, open a bank account, buy a car, get a mortgage. It also helps to combat fraud.

You only need to register once, unless you move house. Anyone who is registered can apply for a postal vote.

Any UK citizen over the age of 16 can register. You don’t have to wait until you are 18.  The earlier you register, the earlier you become a vote worth winning.

The last date to register online for the May elections is 18 April. The last date to apply for a postal vote for the elections is 19 April.

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