THESE are some of the people who could hold the key to today’s general election race.

Thousands of teenagers across Hampshire were heading to the polls for the first time.

These students had a test run yesterday of the exciting but crucial trip that many of them will make throughout today.

The mock election took place at Totton College to encourage pupils to vote in order to make a difference.

Pupils buzzing in the pre-election atmosphere were keen to vote, realising their voice matters, and many said they would stay up throughout the night to watch the results unfold.

There were even some 16 and 17-year-olds who were frustrated at not being able to vote despite feeling they are at the centre of many of the issues.

But there are still hundreds of pupils eligible to vote – representing hordes of potential electors for each of the candidates – who will not be voting, stating that they did not know enough about the parties or claim they are indifferent.

Tom Simm, 18, from Totton, is one. He said: “I don’t think I will get involved because it all goes over my head. I have other things to concentrate on.”

James Binns, 19, from Dibden Purlieu, has made his friends non-biased brochures to outline the key policies of the parties because many young people say they want to know more but have not had the opportunity.

James, who is chairman of the New Forest Conservative Future, the Tories’ youth organisation, said: “A lot of young people are a bit sceptical about politicians and feel the only way to know the policies is to wade through hundreds of pages of manifestos.

“Politicians should spend more time with young people.

“If people don’t like the Government, they can chuck them out. Each vote really does count, especially in this election.”

Principal Mark Bramwell said the TV debates had increased awareness among students but admitted there were still some who were eligible to vote but would not be doing so.

He said: “At the moment some people don’t think there’s a link between politics and something that influences their lives.”

He added that politicians from the major parties had all been filmed visiting colleges and universities, which he believed was a sign that they have realised the significance of the first-time votes.