Stephen Timms met students across the borough this morning to encourage them to sign up to vote.

Newham Recorder: Ali Gordon encourages student Judith Pinto to sign up to voteAli Gordon encourages student Judith Pinto to sign up to vote (Image: Archant)

The East Ham MP visited the University of East London and Newham College to speak to young people as part of National Voter Registration Day.

With opinion polls suggesting it could be the closest election in four decades and a change in the registration system, ensuring first time voters are able to vote is important.

Mr Timms said: “Politics matters and it affects all of us. It shapes everything we know and everything we care about.

“Whether that’s better access to jobs, more affordable housing or an effective health service.

Newham Recorder: Ali Gordon encourages student Judith Pinto to sign up to voteAli Gordon encourages student Judith Pinto to sign up to vote (Image: Archant)

“Today there are unprecedented challenges facing young people and it is important that young people turn up and make their voices heard!”

If you’re not registered to vote at the election on May 7, you can do so online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Newham Recorder: Stephen Timms MP visits students at Newham College East Ham CampusStephen Timms MP visits students at Newham College East Ham Campus (Image: Archant)

Newham Recorder: Stephen Timms MP visits students at Newham College East Ham CampusStephen Timms MP visits students at Newham College East Ham Campus (Image: Archant)

Newham Recorder: Ali Gordon encourages student Judith Pinto to sign up to voteAli Gordon encourages student Judith Pinto to sign up to vote (Image: Archant)

Newham Recorder: Ali Gordon encourages student Judith Pinto to sign up to voteAli Gordon encourages student Judith Pinto to sign up to vote (Image: Archant)

Newham Recorder: Stephen Timms MP visits students at Newham College East Ham CampusStephen Timms MP visits students at Newham College East Ham Campus (Image: Archant)