TEENAGERS in the Ribble Valley who become eligible to vote in the run-up to Thursday's local elections will receive birthday cards from the council.
Ribble Valley Borough Council has teamed up with the Electoral Commission to send out 18th birthday cards as part of a scheme to encourage new voters to turn out on election day.
People aged between 18 and 24 are among the least likely to use their vote.
Ribble Valley has 1,443 18-year-olds who will be eligible to vote for the first time on May 1, while South Ribble has 2,738, Hyndburn 2,174, Pendle 2,652, Rossendale 1,751 and Burnley 2,573.
Electoral Commission policy director Nicole Smith said: "Recent months have seen thousands of young people take to the streets to make a stand on matters that affect them, so we know they feel strongly about political and social issues.
"Local elections decide how things such as schools, hospitals and transport will be run -- all of which affect young people.
"They have a real part to play in shaping their community."
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