28-11-02

Barrett back “Votes are Power” campaign

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Edinburgh West, today backed the 'Votes are Power' campaign by the Electoral Commission to raise political awareness amongst young people.

Mr Barrett has written to all schools in his constituency asking them to encourage school pupils to take part in the national design competition being organised by the Commission.

John Barrett said:

"After last year's General Election where less than 40% of voters under 24 turned out to vote, it is critical the importance and power of the vote is made clear to younger people. Many people in other countries don't enjoy such freedoms and face repression for even voicing their views.

"This campaign by the Electoral Commission offers an opportunity for young people to get involved in promoting democracy and voting in general. I hope schools in my constituency and throughout Edinburgh will do everything they can to support the imitative."

ENDS

• The Electoral Commission have launched a campaign called 'Votes are Power' to raise awareness of voting amongst 16-24 year olds. 40 finalists will be chosen and their short-listed work exhibited in a national tour. There will be an opportunity for the general public to vote online; judges from the Royal Society of Arts, Royal College of Art, the BBC and advertising agency, St. Lukes, will select the overall winner and two runners up from two age categories (16-18 and 19-24). The overall winner's work will be featured in a future Electoral Commission advertising campaign. There will also be a special viewing on 31st March at Westminster.

• More information is available from www.votesarepower.com