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Be prepared to vote, scouts urged
The Scout Association has launched a bid to get young people more involved in the general election amid fears up to half may not be registered to vote.
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Around 10,000 Scouts will be eligible to cast their ballot for the first time in a general election this year and a website has been set up to encourage them and others to do so.
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Just weeks ahead of a general election, recent Electoral Commission research found half of all 17- to 24-year-olds remained unregistered in test areas.
Alongside advice on registering and volunteering and a forum for politicians to take part in online discussions with young voters the site explains why politics matters to young people.
The Association is also sending information by post to 50,000 members to boost turnout.
Wayne Bulpitt, The Scout Association's UK Chief Commissioner said: "In Scouting we believe it is extremely important for young people to engage in democracy. Every vote counts.
"We not only want our young members to see why they should vote but how politics impacts on the causes and concerns that they have."
The campaign is being launched on the 40th anniversary of the first Parliamentary election after the voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 - a by-election in Bridgwater, Somerset.
To mark the occasion, 30 young people are being brought together in Nottingham with their local candidates in an event co-hosted by Oxfam and the Hansard Society.
The website can be accessed at: www.activecitizens.net
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Friday 25 May 2012
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