The Student Room claims its 2015 campaign could swing General Election
Online community The Student Room (TSR) has launched a campaign in the lead up to the General Election which it believes could directly impact the election results in key student marginal constituencies
The online student community estimates over four million 18-24 year olds will visit its website in the run up to the election, and has planned content such as Q&As with party leaders and promotions.
This will be hosted in an online hub, offering advice for students on debates, information, and bite size explanations of party manifestos.
Students, politicians and media can also track how this demographic intend to vote with a live tracker. Over 22,500 student so far have signalled which party they are inclined to support.
Finally, in the run up to the General Election, TSR will ramp up its social media activity and has planned a series of stunts to encourage more students to use their vote on 7 May.
Jack Wallington, the website’s community director, explained: “The Student Room has always provided a powerful forum for political discussion amongst students. We have run our own student parliament, our threads are alive with debate across a wide range of issues, and we put all the party leaders in front of our members as part of our 2010 election campaign.
“The student vote has never been more crucial to the overall composition of the next government. We aim to encourage students to make the most of this fact, and make sure their voices are heard.”
In addition, TSR has teamed up with the National Union of Students (NUS) and the Electoral Commission to deliver a series of viral campaigns specifically targeting the 10 lowest-majority student constituencies. It is also working with the NUS and campaigning organisation Bite the Ballot on a petition to reduce the voting age to 16 years old.