“Your vote, your voice” – Rogerson
North Cornwall MP, Dan Rogerson today (Monday) visited sixth formers at Treviglas Community College in Newquay. The local Liberal Democrat took questions from the 16 and 17 year olds about the features and failings of the British political system.
Mr Rogerson also took a show of hands from each of the two groups he addressed to see how many of the young people intended to vote at the first opportunity they had when they turned eighteen. Many said they were unlikely to vote.
Commenting after the meeting, Dan Rogerson said:
“I’ve enjoyed meeting the Treviglas students this morning but it should be a real concern to all of us that so few think that voting will make any difference.
“I explained that I first got involved in politics because I thought that the Thatcher Government wasn’t doing enough for Cornwall. I joined the Liberal Democrats in 1991 because I knew our area needed Liberal policies to make housing more affordable and improve rural transport.
“Yet many young people today just don’t think any of the parties can make a difference. Part of my pitch is obviously to ask them to give the Liberal Democrats a chance to deliver – but more than that I want young people to use their vote and their voice in elections, whomever they choose to support.
“I want to see young people involved directly with politics earlier, by allowing them to vote at 16. We know that those who vote early in life, vote often in life. People who have to wait until they are 23 to vote in their first general election frequently decline the opportunity to do so.
“Meantime, it’s the job of all politicians to convince people that every vote really does count – and can make a real difference to life in Cornwall.”
Note to Editors: Other schools and colleges in North Cornwall who would like a visit from the MP are welcome to contact his constituency office on 01566 777123
