Over half of young people, including students, will not be able to vote at the next general election, according to an independent elections watchdog.

A survey by the Electoral Commission shows that up to 56% of 17 to 24 year olds are not on the electoral register, particularly in towns and cities with large student populations.

The local Liberal Democrat and Conservative parties have urged Kingston students to make sure they can vote. Edward Davey, the MP for the Kingston and Surbiton constituency since 1997, and Helen Whately, the Tory candidate, agree that KUstudents could play an important role in the outcome of this year’s election, which is widely expected to be held on May 6th.

In 1997 Mr Davey beat the Conservatives, winning by just 56 votes in an area which had historically returned Conservative MPs.  Mr. Davey said: “The Conservatives are pulling out all the stops to win this seat and we’re seeing more activity than in the past. I’m not complacent at all.” Mr Davey, with a majority of 8,966 at the last election, said he was keen to encourage Kingston's 20,000 eligible students to register and use their vote, however they intend to cast it at the ballot box.

Ms. Whately agrees that students are an important part of the electorate in the Kingston and Surbiton constituency. She said: “There’s no question it’ll be a close election.” She continued: “This is an important seat to win if the Conservatives are going to have a working majority.”

To have a majority of just two after the next election, the Conservative party needs to add 131 seats to the current total of 193. The Kingston and Surbiton constituency is 172^nd on the party’s target list and would need a swing of 9 per cent to reverse Mr Davey’s majority of 8,966. Mr Davey said: “ Having won by just 56 votes in 1997, I can tell you every vote counts.”

Students who want to vote at in the Kingston and Surbiton constituency can register online until April 20th if the election is called for May 6th. Students can register at both their home and university addresses before choosing where to vote on the day.