NUS is launching its Turn Up campaign to encourage students to register to vote in time for May’s local elections in England and Northern Ireland.
This year, it’s more important than ever for students to register early as there are new barriers in place which can make it harder for students and young people to vote. It is now illegal for universities and colleges to block register students, and all voters must show a physical photo ID when they vote. Student IDs or a young person’s travel card aren’t accepted forms of ID for voting, so if students don’t have a valid British or EEA passport, or a photo driving licence, they must ensure they have a valid alternative.
It is for this reason that NUS is partnering with the British Youth Council and Generation Rent to launch the UK’s biggest youth and student voter registration campaign ever. This will include:
- Registering students en masse through uni/college enrolment and with a nation-wide digital campaign.
- Ensuring every student has a voter ID and that any student without one can get one for free.
- Empowering voters by raising their voices and informing their choices.
To begin with, NUS is partnering with Citizen Card to offer students a free form of photo ID. This usually costs £15, but students can get it for free by using the code NUS or by clicking here. Alternatively, they can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, here.
Bernie Savage, NUS VP for Further Education, said:
"When politicians make decisions, they look at who is on the electoral register and who votes. This year photo ID presents a new barrier for young people and students to get their voices heard, but if they want to affect real change, then it’s vital they get involved, make sure they have valid ID, get themselves on the electoral register and TURN UP and VOTE!"
