Embrace your right to vote –that’s the message to sixth form students from Swale council’s chief executive officer Abdool Kara.

During the course of the next few weeks he will be visiting schools across the borough to speak to 18-year-olds about the voting process.

The move comes after the Electoral Commission identified their age group as a key target area as part of its national campaign to remind people to register by April 20 so they can take part in the general and council elections on May 7.

His first visit was to Westlands School last Thursday where he met Year 12 and 13 youngsters.

During his talk the electoral registration officer explained the voting process, the benefits of going to the ballot and spoke about matters ranging from the town’s regeneration plans to George Osborne’s recent budget.

He also discussed the ins and outs of his role and the importance of his own impartiality.

In addition to the visits, the local authority is running a number of its own activities to encourage residents to register.

To register visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote