CANDIDATES have been keen to engage younger voters, knowing every Thurrock vote counts.

So, the Gazette went out to South Essex College in Grays to see how first-time voters are going to vote and why.

Contradicting the stereotypes, the young voters expressed fears about the economy – not the climate – and gave sharply divided views on whether or not Ukip represented a forward or backward step in Thurrock after years of Tory and Labour dominance.

As seen below, students were mixed in their views and some are still unsure if they are going to vote at all.

youth vote 1 photo TG youth vote 1.jpg

youth vote 2 photo TG  youth vote 2.jpg