It is time for Leeds to get a Boris Johnson?

Council bosses admit they’re scratching their heads as to why more students haven’t yet registered to vote in the upcoming elections across Leeds in a couple of weeks time.

There’ll be two votes on May 3rd: first, this year’s Council elections where 33 seats are up for grabs and then a special referendum to decide whether Leeds should get a directly elected Mayor like Boris Johnson in London.

Time is already running out before the big deadline to register on April 18th and Leeds University Union’s democracy guru Mark Sewards says he’ll push to get more students voting.

“Whether it’s problems with Virgin Media or a dispute with the bin collectors – this is your chance to choose a councillor who’ll best represent your interest during your time here at Uni”.

Some landlords and most halls of residence will automatically register students on the electoral roll but it’s thought that at least half of students will have to register themselves.

With the cuts in full swing and all political parties suffering a crisis of leadership – these ‘mid-term’ elections will be seen as a crucial test of public mood.

Labour supporter Mark added: “The best way for students in Leeds to send a clear message to Nick Clegg and David Cameron that we do not support their higher education reforms is by giving them a bloody nose at the ballot box”.

Watch out for the next edition of Leeds Student on your first full week back for a special election special including exclusive interviews with the main parties, views on the Mayor elections and top analysis from our LS experts too.

Meanwhile, if you want to register or just want to check then you can call the Council election office on 0113 222 4411 or get an application form from www.leeds.gov.uk/elections.