The Sheffield City Council elections are taking place today and voters have expressed the importance of the vote and for young people to be involved in local and national politics.
People are taking to the polling station to elect the next City Councillors and the next South Yorkshire Mayor.
At the polling station in Western Park, Shefnews spoke to people going in to choose the candidates they feel best represents them.
Richard Squires, 45, said: “It’s so important to not waste your vote, especially young people.
I don’t think young people are as engaged with local politics as they should be and it’s them that it’s ultimately going to affect when they inevitably don’t feel represented.”
According to Sheffield City Council, voting turnout was 34.81% which is lower than the national average.
Ewan Leitch, 21, said: “I think now more than ever it’s important for people to go out and vote whenever they get the opportunity.
“Our government has shown repeatedly that it won’t act in the interest of the population and I think it’s clear that we need drastic changes in this country.
“Even local elections such as this will play a crucial role in making a step towards a much needed change.”
Mandy Creaser-Meyers, 63, said: “The more people who vote, the more representative it becomes.
“If more people vote then the council will represent the views of the majority, rather than just a select few who decide to vote.”
James Pereira, 22, said: “Young people are starting to get more involved in politics, but not enough.
“If they don’t use their vote, political parties won’t listen to us and they won’t represent us.
“I definitely think sixth forms and universities could be doing more to encourage political engagement in young adults, and even the council themselves.”
Labour are the biggest party within the council, but are only one ahead of the Liberal Democrats, so the council is under no overall control.
There are 84 elected Councillors, with three Councillors for each of the 28 wards.
The polling stations have been open since 7am, and won’t close until 10pm.