GRB's poll of 500 students from the UK's top institutions plan to vote for Labour (35%), Conservative (32%), Green Party (14%), UKIP (6%) and Liberal Democrats (5%), SNP (4%) and others (4%).
It therefore seems Labour's efforts to reach 18-24 year olds through Facebook, celebrity conduits like Russell Brand and NUS endorsements plus the Conservatives use of YouTube have certainly got youngsters listening, but to what end?
What cuts through with the nation's smartest graduates is serious debate about issues like the environment, education and of course, with their job prospects in mind, the economy. The Liberal Democrats have fallen out of favour with young voters who supported them last time in 2010 - but didn't show up in the polling booths in significant numbers. The turnout among 18-24 year was only 52% compared with the national average of 65%. This needs to change to make a difference. Hopefully students will realise that each party is counting on their turnout so hear GRB's siren call and make your vote on Thursday!
