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18th birthday cards target young voters



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FIRST-TIME voters are set to get a card on their 18th birthday from councillors in East Lothian.
The "Now You Are 18" birthday cards have been specially made to encourage young people to get involved in the democratic process and to make sure they use their right to vote.

Sheena Richardson, East Lothian Lord Provost, is behind the scheme, which she is confident will get cross-party support at the town hall.

Councillor Richardson said the cards are not intended to influence support for any one party or individual but to remind them of their democratic rights.

Cllr Richardson said: "Young people have strong opinions on a whole range of issues.

"We want them to feel that they are very much a part of what goes on at local and national level."

About 500 cards will be sent by the council between now and the end of November, when the new electoral roll comes into effect.





The full article contains 163 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 01 May 2008 11:20 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: East Lothian
 
1

me150,

01/05/2008 17:40:16
Abandon this crap and reinstate some of the educational budget cuts!!!!
2

Pond Hall,

01/05/2008 22:59:58
East Lothians road resemble the moon surface, craters and pot holes, if you think Edinburgh's roads are bad come down to east lothian.
3

jenny,

musselburgh 03/05/2008 14:06:02
Re comments 1 and 2 above: the state of East Lothian's roads is the story of neglect by the previous administration. Making your local councillors accountable involves voting at election time. Turnout has been decreasing and if Provost Richardson can inspire young people exercise their democratic right to cast their votes at election time, it will be money well spent. I am also quite sure that the cost of sending out 500 cards is unlikely to cost more than a few hundred pounds which would hardly either mend the roads nor make much of a difference to the education budget. The effect of these cards can be monitored over time, and should the initiative not reap benefits it can be dropped but meanwhile I think Provost Richardson needs a pat on the back for trying something new.
4

Pond Hall,

05/05/2008 13:59:57
Jenny

having lived in East Lothian all of my life, I am fully aware of the Previous Administration.

Hopefully the new Administration will bring benefits to us all, and not just certain areas.

Even the roads in Prestonpans are starting to crumble.

When it comes to spending money, I'm sure like many they'd rather see Tax payers money being spent on important things, like fixing roads properly.

Cards wont help repair pot holes, they maybe better than the useless Jet Patching Machine that the previous Administration purchased.

But multiply a things like this 10 times and your suddenly into thousands.

Remember the thousands ELC spent on the work of art for their HQ at Haddington.

And given the fact that School PTAs have to fund raise for school funds and schools collect vouchers for equipment

I know what my priorities would be , and it sure wouldn't be post cards!!!
5

jenny,

musselburgh 05/05/2008 15:06:16
Sorry Pond Hall, I disagree - if these cards encourage young people to use their democratic rights, then it is a very small amount of money well spent.
I do agree that the jet patcher is far from the answer to mending potholes!
6

Pond Hall,

05/05/2008 15:31:40
No5

So what you are saying is that Local Schools should contain to rely on FUNDRAISING for school equipment,

While ELC send outs card to 18 year old's telling them to vote, never mind all the other wasteful things that occur on a daily basis.

So what do we pay a council tax, surely for services?

And of course every Election time these kids will receive a Polling Card, along with unlimited political junk mail, reminding them to vote.


7

Pond Hall,

05/05/2008 15:36:58
An easier vote Winner would be giving all the bored teenagers, free access to all the Sports and Leisure facilities.

Maybe someone could start a political party and have thats as there Number one Election Promise.

Thats all bored, we've got nothing to do Kids want now a days.

Everything for Nothing!!!
8

me150,

05/05/2008 18:50:11
Jenny you are sooooo wrong it is unbelievable!!!!

 

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