First time voters Brayden Hartley and Sophia Kazi are helping explain what this year's elections are for
Published Friday 19 April 2024 at 10:27
A video produced by Blackburn with Darwen Council to explain the elections taking place in the borough this year features some first time voters.
18 year old Brayden Hartley and 19 year old Sophia Kazi are among the young presenters in the short video which summarises the three elections taking place in BwD and what they’re for.
Voters in the borough will take to the polls on Thursday 2 May for:
- Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council election
- Lancashire Police & Crime Commissioner election
- And in parts of Darwen – Darwen Town Council election.
The video is being shared across the Council’s social media channels to explain to voters exactly what they have the chance to vote for on election day.
And Brayden and Sophia will head to their polling stations for the first time on 2 May.
Sophia Kazi, who is studying for a solicitor degree apprenticeship, said:
I am proud to say I finally have the privilege to vote! Voting is important to me as I see it as an expression of commitment to myself, my family and friends and most of all the Blackburn and Darwen community as a whole.
Brayden Hartley, who works in the Council’s Communications team, added:
I will be voting for the first time this year, as we as young voters are the future. We should seize the opportunity to make our voices heard and set the tone for the chapters to come!
Watch the video that explains this year’s elections in BwD.
Denise Park, Blackburn with Darwen Council Chief Executive and Elections Returning Officer, added:
We’re so grateful to Emma, Mohammed, Sophia and Brayden for their help presenting our short video to explain the elections taking place in Blackburn with Darwen this year.
It’s great to have their support to explain exactly what voters have the opportunity to go to the polls on, and to encourage people to use their votes on Thursday 2 May.
There’s lot more information about elections and voting in Blackburn with Darwen at www.blackburn.gov.uk/elections-and-voting/.