ONE Winchester teenager is wasting no time in voting at the General Election.

Alexandra Jones-Navarro turns 18 on Thursday, and her day will start with a trip to the polling station in Harestock.

Having cast her vote, she will travel on to Peter Symonds College for lessons and celebrations with friends.

She was born six days after Tony Blair's Labour government was elected in 1997.

Pictured here with friends Emily Platt, 18, and Tamsin Foster, 17, all former pupils at The Westgate School, she is looking forward to having her say through the ballot box.

“It is important to have your say about what happens in the future,” she said. “If you are fortunate enough to be able to vote, why would you waste the opportunity?”

Emily, whose polling station is at Winchester University added: “There are a few things in the country with which I disagree, so I intend to make a difference by voting. Young people have a right to be heard.”

Tamsin, who at 17 can't vote this year, said: “Women fought for the right to vote and I think it is disrespectful for those with the vote not to step up to use it. I would if I were able to.”