Ref. 30822-03BETZ Yildirim will be taking time out from her A Level revision to vote for the first time today.

She is among more than 2,000 young people in Swindon to have reached the voting age in the past year.

Betz, who turned 18 on January 1, said that she had decided to take part in the local and European elections even though many people of her age are expected to stay at home.

"I'm not that into politics and I haven't decided who to vote for yet," she said. "I don't think people my age are that bothered about voting.

"No-one's said anything about it and they're more focused on exams."

But Betz, who is preparing to sit a philosophy exam tomorrow, said that she would nevertheless be marking a cross on her ballot paper.

"People vote to put people in power to make it a happier place than it is at the moment," she said.

"They believe they can improve Swindon and they think they can make a difference. They say they are going to improve this or that.

"It doesn't always happen but people put their trust in politicians and see what they can do."

Betz said that she hoped Swindon's politicians would do more for the vulnerable people in the town.

"I believe there should be more homes for the homeless and more opportunities for people in need," she said.

Polling stations will be open until 10pm. Anyone who wants to know where their nearest polling station is should contact the election line on 01793 463543.