How are the issues you care about reflected on by local politicians?
Do you realise how powerful the student vote could be in the May 2015 General Election?
Did you know that if you don’t register, you can’t vote – and that means your voice won't be heard?

FXU’s My Vote Matters campaign is all about encouraging you, as students and voting citizens, to recognise how important it is to participate in the upcoming General Election! Voting anywhere is important but here in Cornwall especially so. The two constituencies where many students live, Falmouth & Truro and Camborne, Redruth & Hayle, are marginal constituencies. In the last election, George Eustice (Cons) became the MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle by 66 votes. He and his closest opponent, Julia Goldsworthy (Lib Dems), are both running again in this election. For Falmouth and Truro, there were only 435 votes between Sarah Newton (Cons) and her closest opponent. These majorities are both MUCH SMALLER than the student population. This means that, if used, the student vote will have a real impact on the outcome of the elections.

The first step to making your voice truly heard in the General Election is by registering to vote. You can do that by clicking here – it’s an easy online process that takes five minutes!

We will also be hosting a series of MP Grills on both campuses to give you an opportunity to quiz the candidates of both local constituencies on the issues that matter to you!

Friday 23 January, 5.30-7.30pm, Chapel Lecture Theatre (Camborne, Redruth & Hayle)
Friday 6 February, 5.30-7.30pm, Woodlane Lecture Theatre (Falmouth, Penryn & Truro)
Friday 13 February, 5.30-7.30pm, Chapel Lecture Theatre (Falmouth, Penryn & Truro)
Friday 20 March, 5.30-7.30pm, Chapel Lecture Theatre (Camborne, Redruth & Hayle)

You can get an idea of what the debates will be like by watching last year’s MP Grill on the My Vote Matters campaigns page.

On 7 May, polling day, we will have a polling station on Penryn campus to make it even easier for students eligible to vote in the Camborne, Redruth and Hayle constituency. For those that can vote in the Falmouth and Truro constituency, we will be running a minibus to and from Falmouth during the day.

Not sure which constituency you are in? Clicking here will redirect you to a page where you enter your postcode to find out where you can vote.

The student vote has the potential to strongly influence the results of the upcoming election. Anyone and everyone has a say in this election; so voice your opinions, ask your questions, and get your voice heard!

To find out more or get involved with the campaign, keep track of its progress at www.fxu.org.uk/myvotematters.