A web-based initiative combining music and politics is being launched by the Electoral Reform Society and Digital Media Cast to encourage young people to play a part in the local and national elections in May, and understand the new local voting system known as the Single Transferable Vote. Democrazy 2007 is launching a dedicated website for the initiative (www.democrazy2007.com) and will release a short film about young people and participation, which the organisers hope young people will post on YouTube and spark debate.

They also want young people to write their own songs with a political theme or message and post them on the website for others to download. The uploads section will be open until April. The writers of the most popular songs - based on how many times it has been downloaded - will be invited to perform at a pre-election gig which will be broadcast via a live web-link to their internet fans.

David Orr, Scottish Youth and Campaigns Officer, Electoral Reform Society in Scotland E davidorr@reform.demon.co.uk