For the majority of young people, voting is their first step into the political world. But it seems, year after year, young people don't turn out to vote. Despite the headline issues of tuition fees and education cuts, it still seems students would rather stay at home than head to the polling booth.
But for one eighteen year old in Plymouth, voting was the secondary form of politics she was participating in. Kate Taylor, a sixth form student, was standing as a candidate in Davonport. More importantly, she was expected to win and on 3 May 2012, she became the youngest city councillor in Plymouth with a majority of over 800.
Determined at giving people a voice she felt they'd never had before, Kate Taylor became a staple news item during the local elections. A young person fully involved with the political system, being voted for and respected by people older than her, seemed to be a complete novelty to most people.
But why should it be? It seems that people are quick to forget that representatives aren't just expected to run things; they're supposed to be representative of the people. And as she says herself: "My election means that Plymouth City Council now looks more like Plymouth does."
But when we think of a young person running for election, immediately we worry that they may have a lack of experience. Speaking to Kate herself, she seemed to be fully aware of the problem: "A few people were a bit unsure, but once I'd had the chance to talk to them, and explain my experience, they seemed a lot more positive about having someone younger on the council."
So maybe 30 years experience isn't all what it's cracked up to be and people are not as prejudiced against a student becoming an elected official as we might expect."I didn't face any opposition within my own party or with voters - the real 'opposition' has come from people who comment on articles online with not-so-pleasant comments, mainly about my appearance, actually. I don't think anybody in politics expects not to be criticised, though, so I don't really take any notice of that stuff."
Funny how often internet trolls get brought into things.
However odd or noble this might appear, it's good to know that some young people are not only making their voice heard but trying to make a real difference in their local communities. Hopefully, one day, this won't be such a novelty.