Young voters' guide

Bristol City Council makes hundreds of decisions every year which affect young people.  Here are some of the issues we're currently looking at:

• Should we build a street sports park in the centre of Bristol?
• How do we provide better bus services for young people and students?
• How can the council help to provide more affordable homes?
• How can we improve opportunities for further education and training for young people?
• How can we improve sport facilities in Bristol?
• How can we cut pollution in Bristol?
• How can we work together to make the streets safer?
• Should the night bus service be expanded?
• How are we helping to get young people into jobs and apprenticeships?  See the following for more information:
• Children and Young People's plan.
• Successful apprenticeship programme expands further.
• Bristol City Council welcomes 22 new apprentices.
• Training and apprenticeships - what the council is doing.
• On Site Bristol Apprentice success at SkillELECTRIC 2011 national final.

Do you have an opinion on any of these issues?  Do you care about these issues?

For most young people the answer will be yes, however, many people think that voting won't make a difference. Some people have strong opinions on these issues, however, can you really complain if you haven't voted?

Voting is now quicker and easier than ever. By getting involved in decision making, you'll help us hear the voice of young people when we consider the issues that affect us all.

Why should I register to vote?

• If you can't vote, you cannot have your say on issues that matter to you.
• If you don't return your electoral registration form you could face a fine of up to £1,000.
• If you're not on the register it can also affect your ability to get credit, meaning that you may be unable to get loans, mortgages and even mobile phones.

Decisions are made on your behalf every day, ranging from what is happening in local schools and what recreational facilities you have, to national issues like healthcare and education, to global issues like defence and the environment. Make sure you have your say.

Voting allows young people to be a powerful and influential force in our society. Voting for the candidate that addresses the issues you care about means that these matters are taken to the council, parliament and Europe, the places where decisions that affect us all are made.

Bite The Ballot are currently running a campaign to encourage more young voters to register.  View the Bite The Ballot Flyer (pdf, 358 KB) (opens new window).

How do I vote?

First you must be on the electoral register.  We send an annual voter registration form to every household in Bristol in September. If you are 16 years or older, please make sure your details are entered on this form. If you were not included on the annual registration form, you can still join the register by completing rolling registration forms.  Find out more on our register to vote page.

Once you are on the electoral register, you can vote in Local, National and European elections and referenda. You will be informed where your local polling station is around the time of each election.

If you don't want to visit a polling station, you can apply to send your vote by post, for any election.  Find out more on our postal voting page.

Questions you may have

What do councillors, MPs and MEPs do for me?

Councillors, MPs, and Members of The European Parliament (MEPs) represent the people living in their areas at different levels. When decisions are being made they are there to put your views across.

Even if you didn't vote for them, they still have a duty to represent you and your interests.

If there is an issue that you feel strongly about, let them know. They are there for you.

Aren't all parties the same?

Parties often address the same issues, but their policies will nearly always differ. Before elections, parties will produce a manifesto which will tell you what the party believes in, what its priorities are and what they will do if they get elected.

How do I find out about the candidates?

During election campaigns many candidates will hold meetings where you can go along to meet them, or they will come to your door or send you a leaflet about what they would like to do for you and your community.

You may find that one of the candidates already supports the issues you care about. If not why not go along to meet them or write to them and find out what they have to say.

How do I find out about the issues in a referendum?

During a referendum, there are campaign groups who will be working for a 'yes' or 'no' vote in the referendum.  These campaign groups will hold meetings or send you a leaflet.

If I'm on the electoral register, will other organisations be able to get hold of my details?

Your local council can supply the information you provide for electoral purposes, law enforcement and for credit reference checking. However, commercial organisations will be able to buy copies of an edited register. You can choose whether to be on this edited register.

I'm leaving Bristol to study - can I still register and vote?

If you're a student living away from home, you can register and take part in local elections from both your home and term time addresses. You can only vote once in Parliamentary elections.

What if I have moved or am about to move house?

If you move house before October 15, you should fill in the annual voter registration form at your new address. Please contact us if the form has not been left at your new address. If you move house after this date, you can ask for a rolling registration form.