Electoral Commission
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Electoral Commission teams up with Channel 4’s Hollyoaks for voter registration campaign

The Electoral Commission has announced yesterday that it will be working in exclusive partnership with Channel 4 and the producers of Hollyoaks to remind people to register to vote ahead of the May 2016 elections.

The Commission and Lime Pictures, the team behind the multi award-winning Channel 4 soap, have unveiled plans to air bespoke adverts that will remind viewers that they need to register in order to take part in the elections. The adverts will run during ad breaks on Channel 4 and E4 both on television and online and will be aimed at under-registered groups - in particular young people and private renters.

The exclusive advert will feature Jennifer Metcalfe, Amanda Clapham, Jazmine Franks and Duayne Boachie.

Alex Robertson, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission said:

"We're really excited to be working alongside the production team and cast members of Hollyoaks. It's a fantastic opportunity to spread the message to younger people in particular, who our research has shown are less likely to be registered. If you're not registered you won't be able to take part in the elections in May, but registering is really easy to do online."

Electoral Commission research in 2014 found that 76% of 18-19 year olds and 70% of 20-24 year olds were registered to vote. This compared to 95% of those aged 65 plus.

The same research found that only 63.3% of those renting from a private landlord were registered to vote in 2014, compared to 93.6% of people who own their home outright and 89.3% who own their home with a mortgage.

Bryan Kirkwood, Executive Producer, Hollyoaks said:

"It's great to be working with the Electoral Commission on this really positive campaign to encourage young people to register to vote.   

"This reaffirms the relationship Hollyoaks has with its young viewers and we are really honoured to help deliver this message in an engaging and innovative way".

Channel 4 Commissioning Editor Lee Mason said:

"Channel 4 and E4 have always had a very special connection with younger TV viewers. I'm thrilled that Hollyoaks, in particular, can play an important role in educating young people of the importance of registering to vote and encourage them to engage with one of their most fundamental rights – the right to vote."

Hollyoaks actress Amanda Clapham (Holly Cunningham) said:

'I'm really excited to be a part of the Electoral Commission's advert with Hollyoaks. It's important for young people to vote but, in order to do so, it's also important to remember to register by 18 April, as this is something that can easily be missed. Young people are the future and that's why they should make their vote count!'

Attached are images of Amanda Clapham, Jennifer Metcalfe and the cast taking part in the advert. Further images available upon request.

Interviews with spokespeople are available on request.

To arrange an interview or for more information contact:

Megan Phillips in the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0714/out of office hours 07789 920 414 or mphillips@electoralcommission.org.uk

Chelsea Yearsley, Hollyoaks press office 0151 202 2303 cyearsley@limepictures.com

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Notes to editors

  1. The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Our aim is integrity and public confidence in the UK's democratic process. We regulate party and election finance and set standards for well-run elections.
  2. The Electoral Commission will launch its UK-wide public awareness campaign in March on TV and Video on Demand encouraging people to register to vote before the 18 April deadline. In Scotland, the Commission has run additional campaign activities to encourage 15 – 17 year olds to register.
  3. Electoral Commission research figures taken from "The quality of the 2014 electoral registers in Great Britain."

 

Channel website: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk

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