YOUNG people are often described as unreliable when it comes to politics – either disinterested or unlikely to turn up to vote on polling day.

But for two young women from Swindon, voting in their first General Election on June 8, nothing could be further from truth.

For 19-year-old Kamya Gopal from Abbey Meads, a law student at Exeter University, it was a chance encounter with an MP at school that sparked an interest in politics.

“Like a lot of young people I was a bit of a cynic,” she said. “I thought that politicians were all the same and would say anything to get elected.

“But it was when we had a hustings event at school and I met Justin Tomlinson I realised that politicians do actually care.”

Since then, Kamya has spent her summers working in Justin’s North Swindon office and helping out on the campaign trail.

But despite knocking on hundreds of doors urging others to vote, she hasn’t been able to do so herself until now.

“This is my first General Election,” said Kamya. “I’m really excited to finally be able to vote after campaigning for so long.

“I think it’s essential that young people have a voice but they also need to turn out and vote. There is no point just complaining on social media if you’re not going to use your voice in the election.

“There are certainly people who just make quick judgements – who read the headline on a news story and don’t go beyond that. But a lot more of us are starting to get involved, reading the arguments and the manifestos and making informed decisions. It’s frustrating when we all get tarred with the same brush.”

Kamya’s views are shared by fellow first time voter and university student, Kate Stickley, 18.

While her campus has been pushing the message around registering to vote and encouraging involvement, Kate believes when it comes to engaging young people, it’s important to also look beyond the student demographic.

“We forget that not all young people are students – many go into work instead of university and in leaving them out of the debate we push them on to the fringes.

“They don’t feel like their input is valued and then there is surprise when they fail to register to vote or don’t turn up on the day.

“Events like Brexit and the Manchester bombing have served as a bit of a wake-up call, not just to young people but to everyone.

“Times are changing and society is evolving. If you want to have a choice and a say in the direction we’re going in then registering and then actually voting is the best way to achieve that aim.”