On 23rd June, the United Kingdom will hold a referendum on its membership to the European Union. In what is described as the most important vote of a generation, the campaigning from both the remain and leave camps has been relentless. But as the UK decides, millions could miss out on making their voice heard, simply because they’re not registered to vote.

As with any elections in the UK, you have to be registered with the Electoral Commission before you cast your vote. This year the deadline is TUESDAY 7TH JUNE, so if you’re not registered then you need to visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote before then -  it only takes five minutes. If you're unsure whether you're already registered, double check by visiting here to contact your local Registration Office.

One of the groups most likely to miss out on the chance to vote is... 

Students

In a recent survey of 2000 students in the UK, it was revealed that almost two thirds don’t know the date of the referendum. Many students are registered to vote at their university address, but the date of the ballot falls out of term time, when most sudents will have returned home to visit family and friends. As a result, it’s feared that thousands students will miss out on the vote simply because they’re registered to vote in the wrong place. Students are urged to plan in advance to make sure they don’t miss out, or register for a postal vote (again, at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote).

It’s plain and simple, if you’re not registered to vote then you won’t be able to vote. Go online and register to vote at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. The outcome of this referendum will shape the future of the UK for decades, maybe centuries to come. Make sure you have your say.

“Just because you do not take an interest in politics, doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.” (Pericles)