The poll, conducted by YouthSight for Universities UK, reveals that while a high proportion of students are interested in the outcome, many risk not being able to vote because they are not registered to vote, or are only registered at an address they won’t be at on polling day.
Richard Brooks, Deputy President of the National Union of Students, said: “The EU referendum is a once in a generation vote. The decision made on the 23 June will impact young people and students the most as they are the ones that will live with the consequences for the longest. If students don’t want their future decided for them - it is essential that as many as possible get out and vote.”
Daniel Zeichner MP said: “Where will you be on 23rd June? If it is Cambridge, please make sure you are registered to vote in the city. If you will be with your parents, get registered there, or if you’re in Glastonbury please get a postal vote! This referendum is about your future, so make sure you have your say.”
People have until 7 June 2016 to register if they want to vote in the EU referendum. Register to vote at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote - you will need your national insurance number.
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Notes
Universities UK commissioned YouthSight to conduct a poll of UK students ahead of the EU referendum. YouthSight conducted a Student Omnibus survey with 2,007 UK students over the course of seven days, between 4 and 11 May 2016, including 136 UK students in universities in the East of England. Quotas were set to reflect the UK student population in terms of gender, course year and university type. Targets for the quotas were acquired using data supplied by HESA.
The national research can be viewed at http://www.youthsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/YouthSight-UUK-Students-EU-Poll-Final-Data-Tables-190516.zip
Questions focused on asking students whether they were registered and where, as well as whether or not they will vote and what issues are important to them in relation to the referendum.
With reference to the third of students eligible to vote (32%) who should apply for a postal/proxy vote – this is based on the numbers who said they won’t be able to get to their polling station, or are not sure if they will be at the address they are registered at on 23 June.
People must register by 7 June if they want to vote in the EU referendum on 23 June. Eligible people can register to vote at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
To register quickly, people should have their national insurance number ready. If people don’t know what their number is they can visit gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number.
Universities UK is the representative organisation for the UK’s universities. Founded in 1918, its mission is to be the definitive voice for all universities in the UK, providing high quality leadership and support to its members to promote a successful and diverse higher education sector. With 133 members and offices in London, Cardiff (Universities Wales) and Edinburgh (Universities Scotland), it promotes the strength and success of UK universities nationally and internationally. Visit: www.universitiesuk.ac.uk
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