You and the EU: Register to Vote by 7 June

Don't miss out on your chance to vote!

The EU referendum is fast approaching and it's your chance to play a part in determining the UK's future. Young people hold the key to the outcome of the referendum so whether you decide to go for stay or leave, don't forget to register and vote!

Why should I vote?

This is your chance to get your voice heard and play a part in shaping the future of the UK.

From education to employment, travel to trade, the outcome of the referendum will have a direct impact on many aspects of people's everyday lives. Learn more about some of the key issues and how they might affect you.

The referendum is important for arts institutions like the ICA and for those of us working in the arts. As Arts Council England highlights, the UK's membership of the EU has a big impact on the arts here: 175 UK cultural, creative and audiovisual organisations and films benefited from €39 million of Creative Europe funding in 2014-2015, while a number of cultural organisations receive investment through EU funding programmes such as Erasmus and Interreg.

If you're under 35, your vote is more important than ever.

So make sure you're registered to vote by 7 June, then get down to your nearest polling station on 23 June to have your say!

Here's a reminder of some of the basic facts you need to know:

Who can vote?

You can vote if you're 18 or older and:

• A British or Irish citizen living in the UK
• A Commonwealth citizen living in the UK who has leave to remain in the UK or who does not require leave to remain in the UK
• A British citizen living overseas who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years
• An Irish citizen living overseas who was born in Northern Ireland and who has been registered to vote in Northern Ireland in the last 15 years.

When do I vote?

• The referendum to decide whether Britain should leave or remain in the European Union is on Thursday, 23 June but you need to be registered to vote by 7 June!

• If you're heading to Glastonbury, make sure you've submitted a postal vote application by 5pm on Wednesday 8 June 2016 if you're in Great Britain, or by 5pm on Friday 3 June 2016 if you're in Northern Ireland. Apply to vote by post [PDF].
• You can also vote by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf. The deadline for applications to vote by proxy in Great Britain is 5pm, Wednesday 15 June. The deadline for applications to vote by proxy in Northern Ireland is 5pm, Friday 3 June 2016. Apply to vote by proxy [PDF].
• You can still register to vote if you have no fixed address. Find out more here.
• Registration information for students.

Where can I learn more?

Artists including Wolfgang Tillmans and Katrin Bohm have created work in response to the referendum. See more recent responses to the referendum by artists.

These articles and websites provide further information on some of the key issues:

• EU-UK: a website showcasing a variety of artistic responses to the referendum.
• Me and Europe: a non-partisan website offering resources, such as articles and videos on different aspects of the decision.
• Vote Art: an arts initiative inspired by the theme of democracy that aims to encourage people to take part in the democratic process
• See recent public opinion polls
• BBC Fact Check
• Read an analysis of the facts behind the leave/remain claims
• Read a summary of arguments for and against leaving the EU
• Learn more about some of the key issues affecting young people and what the outcome of the referendum might mean.
• Read two opposing views on what the referendum means for the arts
• Read an article putting forward the the leftwing case for Brexit
• Read an article offering 11 Reasons the young should vote for Remain

Resgister now and get your voice heard! ■