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

The Electoral Commission 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.

“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”. – Bryan Kirkwood, Executive Producer, Hollyoaks

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.

“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.”  -Alex Robertson, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission

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.

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