YOUNGSTERS voting for the first time have warned the politicians to buck-up their ideas if they want to win their votes.

Students from Turton High School are eagerly awaiting the chance to take part in the local and European elections on June 10.

They are among thousands of 18-year-olds across the borough who will play a part in the democratic process for the first time in the postal ballot.

The group of A level politics students said they were keen to use their vote but said local politics were a turn-off.

Some felt politicians needed to get to grips with a range of issues from the environment to under-age drinking and crime.

John Hunt claimed young people were not interested in grassroots politics.

He said: "Local elections don't seems to have much effect. I think the European elections are far more important."

Daniel Fallows added: "Many people don't know much about local politics because it is tedious."

But Bob Shaw added: "Local politics is often very neglected which is a shame because there's such a massive range of issues to consider."

All agreed that it was important to use your vote.

Chris Chinnick said: "It is your chance to have your say and it is right to complain about the Government.

"I want to vote in the Euro elections as Europe will become very important. It's the future of the world."

James Chandler added: "I'm concentrating more on the Euro elections as there's more at risk."

Ian Bisset believes using modern technology such as touch-screen computers would attract more people to vote.

He said: "Millions died to get us the vote. Voting should be made compulsory."

Many of the young electors agreed that tackling Bolton's crime and anti-social behaviour should be one of the main priorities. Gemma Parker said: "My little sister was nearly abducted the other week. We need more police and a larger presence on the streets."

The teenagers also wanted more activities to be made available to prevent people forming underage drinking gangs.

How the

ballot works

EVERY Bolton Council seat will be put to the vote for the first time in 25 years on June 10. A record 267 candidates have put their names forward to contest the council's 20 wards. Every person on the electoral roll will receive three votes, with the top three candidates in each ward being elected to the council. The election, which will be held by a postal vote, will run simultaneously with the European elections to choose nine North-west MEPs.

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Labour will stand three candidates in all council wards.

Minority groups, such as the Green Party, Socialist Labour Party, the United Kingdom Independence Party and rebel Labour MP George Galloway's left-wing respect coalition are also putting up a handful of candidates.

Two independents are also standing.

YOUNGSTERS voting for the first time have warned the politicians to buck up their ideas if they want to win their votes.

Students from Turton High School are eagerly awaiting the chance to take part in the local and European elections on June 10.

They are among thousands of 18-year-olds across the borough who will play a part in the democratic process for the first time in the election being held by postal ballot.

The group of A level politics students said they were keen to use their vote, but said local politics were a turn-off.

Some felt politicians needed to get to grips with a range of issues from the environment to under-age drinking and crime.

John Hunt claimed young people were not interested in grassroots politics.

He said: "Local elections don't seems to have much effect. I think the European elections are far more important."

Daniel Fallows said: "Many people don't know much about local politics because it is tedious."

But Bob Shaw said: "Local politics is often very neglected which is a shame because there's such a massive range of issues to consider."

All agreed that it was important to use your vote.

Chris Chinnick said: "It is your chance to have your say and it is right to complain about the Government.

"I want to vote in the Euro elections as Europe will become very important. It's the future of the world."

James Chandler added: "I'm concentrating more on the Euro elections as there's more at risk."

Ian Bisset believes using modern technology such as touch-screen computers would attract more people to vote.

He said: "Millions died to get us the vote. Voting should be made compulsory."

Many of the young electors agreed that tackling Bolton's crime and anti-social behaviour should be one of the main priorities. Gemma Parker said: "My little sister was nearly abducted the other week. We need more police and a larger presence on the streets."

The teenagers also wanted more activities to be made available to prevent people forming under-age drinking gangs.