New year is a moment of reflection; an opportunity to take stock and think about the things that really matter – our family and friends, our health and work, and our prospects for the year ahead.

Many of us set out by making a series of new year’s resolutions – to get down to the gym, eat less, quit smoking or cut back on the booze.

I have lost count of the number of times my resolutions have fallen by the wayside come the end of January as the reality of daily life kicks back in.

That is why I wanted to do something different this year, something bigger and better that could help change lives up and down the country.

I took the break over Christmas to think about the last 12 months, and what my resolution for next year should be.

I remembered an interview I did for the BBC’s Newsnight when I spoke about Labour’s long-term plans to protect and renew the NHS, in stark contrast to how the NHS is going backwards under the Tories.

Russell Brand appeared on the same programme and it reminded me of when he boasted about never voting. Despite the huge differences between Labour and the Tories, including on the NHS, Russell claimed there was nothing to vote for.

I could not disagree more. I also think this is completely the wrong message to be sending out to young people when less than half of all 18-24-year-olds voted at the last general election, compared to three-quarters of those aged over-65.

Young people care passionately about a whole range of issues but it is down to politicians like me to prove that politics is relevant, that it will make a genuine difference andthat young people’s views and voices will be heard – including through the ballot box.

2015 is a crucial year. The British people will elect a new government, setting the future course for our country. Between now and 7 May, Ed Miliband, the shadow cabinet and Labour party activists across the country will be working flat-out, fighting for every vote and showing that Labour will listen and change Britain for the better.

But we cannot do this on our own – we need your help.

Hundreds of thousands of young people won’t even be able to have their say on 7 May because they are not on the electoral register. Losing their right to vote means losing their say on important decisions that will affect their lives.

I want to work with families across the country to overcome this first hurdle and you can play a vital role by making sure that everyone in your own family is registered to vote.

Some of the most valuable lessons we learn come from our families, and I am sure you have got a compelling personal story to share with your loved ones as to why voting matters.

Whether it is the creation of the NHS, the fight for equal pay and women’s rights or the introduction of the minimum wage, real change can and does come through the ballot box.

This is the message we need to pass down to the next generation. Through the sharing of our own experiences, we can counter pessimism and show that politics really can change people’s lives.

So my new year’s resolution is to sign up a thousand young people to vote and I need your help to do it. Please join this effort by getting just one person you know to register to vote – a daughter, son, niece, nephew or friend.

Join me in telling our families and friends why taking part in the next election is so important. And, together, explain how Labour will change Britain for the better.

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Liz Kendall MP is shadow minister for care and older people. She tweets @LeicesterLiz

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You can register to vote or update your details online using the gov.uk website.

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Photo: theshadowknows