Penryn Campus will, for the first time, host a polling station for the General Election. Come 7 May, students, staff and residents living within the polling district that covers the campus will be able to cast their all-important vote for the Camborne and Redruth constituency at the campus station. Electors who live on the western side of the bypass will continue to vote at Mabe Community Hall.

One of FXU’s priorities for the year is to increase student participation in democracy. The team, led by FXU President Student Experience, Roger Auster, is working all year to encourage students in the lead up to the General Election. “This provides a great opportunity for students to take part alongside the local community, especially as our students are from two marginal constituencies so their vote can have a huge impact on Cornwall,” says Roger.

FXU’s campaign, entitled FXU Mission: My Vote Matters, launched last year to great success and featured a debate on the Penryn Campus between local candidates. Two further debates per constituency (four in total) are planned for later in the academic year, giving students the chance to share ownership of their future with the wider Cornish community.

The Penryn Campus polling station will benefit the 1,600 students living in Glasney Village as residents of the Camborne and Redruth constituency. FXU will also be running shuttle buses for students living in Falmouth to vote as part of the Falmouth and Truro constituency.

Registered electors who live in the polling district that covers the campus will be able to vote in The Compass, located on the ground floor of The Exchange building. The hours of poll will be from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm and free parking will also be available for up to an hour on the day.

Student who are concerned about noise over the exam period can be assured that there will be extra quiet study spaces opened up.

FXU would like to thank the Council’s Constitution and Governance Committee, Falmouth University, University of Exeter (including the Politics department) and the local residents and students who helped to make this all possible.