YOUNG people in Pendle are being targeted in a bid to cut through voting apathy.

A poster campaign was launched yesterday with the help of young town hall staff.

Pendle Council workers Sayma Ilyas, 17, and 18-year-old Matthew Galvin are fronting the drive to persuade young people to take an interest in how their area and country is run.

National research shows that there is a low turn-out among young people when it comes to polling day and the council is determined to do its bit to encourage new voters to go to the polls.

The posters urge anyone who will be 17 or over by February 2000 to register their names now so that they can vote when they are 18.

Sayma said: "Voting can make a difference. I'm making sure my name goes on the register so that I can vote when I'm 18."

Matthew added: "This is my first chance to vote and I'll definitely use it."

Failing to sing up to the electoral register is one of the key causes of non-voting.

Council chief executive Stephen Barnes said: "We are a listening council committed to democracy. Voting is an important way local people can influence key decisions about their area and it makes an impact on how the council runs over 200 services."

Anyone who needs help or who wants to check their name is on the register can contact the council's elections

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