news story

19th April 2007

Britain's Youngest Voter Encourages Others to Follow Suit

Ollie Setterfield, who is 18 on 3rd May, showing his polling card to Northavon MP Steve Webb

Ollie Setterfield from Hawkesbury Upton will be 18 years old 3rd May 2007, making him Britain's youngest voter. Ollie will be casting his first vote at this year's South Gloucestershire Council elections and has told his local MP Steve Webb that he would encourage all other young people to make sure that they use their vote.

Ollie, who attends Katherine Lady Berkeley school, lives in the Cotswold Edge ward, currently represented by Cllr Sue Hope. His older brother Tom is a politics student and will be casting a postal vote from university to make sure he does not lose his voice.

Ollie said:

"If young people want their voice to be heard, it is important that they cast their vote. Although I will be celebrating my 18th birthday on 3rd May, I will also be making sure I find the time to go and cast my vote".

Steve Webb said he commended Ollie for his positive attitude and said he was encouraging all young people across the area to make sure their vote counted. The MP said:

"At election time it is very often young people who are the least likely to vote. Yet there are many things that the Council is responsible for - things like public transport, schools and the environment - which are of considerable interest to young people. I would encourage everyone who is entitled to vote to make sure that their voice is heard on 3rd May".