A new project which will see the UCLan Students’ Union enter partnership with the Preston City Council in a drive to create awareness in students to their right in registering to vote in the general election on May 7 2015.
This is the first partnership of its kind which encourages students who have moved home in the past twelve months to register. This is because the new individual registration may mean that they are unable to cast their vote by not being registered before the national deadline

The project which is being led by UCLan Students’ Union President Lee Mac launches on Monday 19^th January 2015. Various fun bases activities will take place on campus by a team of students who will put the message across to all other students, letting them know about the benefits of voter registration. There will be a continued drive in door-to-door calling and good use of social media will also be made in conveying the message to as many as 28,000 students.

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Lee Mac, UCLan Students’ Union President, said:

“It’s important for students to engage in registering for this year’s upcoming elections. Not only does it set a precedent for students in the election, it also allows our community to be heard on a stronger platform.

Five years ago students who engaged in the election were left disappointed. If we as a community unite and come together we could change the way politicians view students. It’s essential to register this year as students who have moved in the past twelve months don’t automatically get registered.  It’s quick and easy to register and could be done whilst making a brew!”

Preston City Council Chief Executive, Lorraine Norris, said:

“We are delighted to be working with UCLan Students’ Union, in what is one of the first partnerships of its kind in the UK. We realise the importance of engaging with young people in Preston as they are the next generation for democracy.

“It is vitally important that students and young people register to vote with this year being election year. If they do not register they have no vote, no voice, and no say.”

The announcement of the partnership comes on a day of national action organised by the National Union of Students (NUS) around General Election activity and education funding across Further and Higher Education organisations.

Do you think that the new partnership will benefit students at UCLan to cast their votes? Let us know in the comments below.