As the nation gears up for election night, we ask first-time voters if they will be heading to the polls on May 6. Joanna Kilvington and Ian Mason report

In the online age of Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube there are more ways than ever before for the youth of today to engage with and keep track of the general election.

But an election poll of first time voters this week revealed just one in three 18 to 22 year olds plan on using their vote on May 6 – compared to 65 per cent of the British population.

Reasons why young people are turning their backs on the ballot boxes include not feeling engaged and a lack of trust in politicians, according to the BBC poll.

Despite the apparent trend, politicians clearly value each and every vote.

In a bid to win over apathetic young adults, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg are being quizzed by X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary in a series of interviews for BBC3.

The channel is also airing a First Time Voters Question Time on Tuesday.

But if the attitudes and opinions of first-time voters at Richmond College and West Thames College are any guide, many young adults do have a passion for politics.

Here's what they thought:

Sarah Sue Massaquoi, 18, of Convent Way, Southall, health and social care student at West Thames College

“I will definitely be voting because I’m 18 – I have to.

“I’ve been impressed by Nick Clegg. I like the way he speaks about issues and people.

“But I plan on voting for Labour and Gordon Brown, because my parents vote for him.

I told them I might vote for Nick Clegg but they said ‘no, no, no, vote for Gordon Brown and Labour’.

“I hope Gordon Brown is the next prime minister.”

Mary Brown, 19, of Lilliput Avenue, Northolt, A-level student at West Thames College

“I will definitely be voting because politics affects my life on a daily basis – especially in terms of education.

"I’ve been impressed by both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats – but especially Nick Clegg’s arguments.

"I plan on voting for the Liberals because I think we need change.

"I would like to see Nick Clegg as the next prime minister because I like his charisma and logical approach.”

Joe Naitsri, 18, of Greatdown Road, Hanwell, sociology, film and English A-level student at West Thames College

“Yes, I will be voting but I don’t see it as important.

"No parties are really relevant to my interests. Whoever is in power, we just have variations on a theme.

"I’ve been impressed by Nick Clegg’s campaign because he hasn’t resorted to playground tactics and has proved himself to be the more mature leader.”

Raphael Shalaby, 19, of Boston Road, Hanwell, biology, psychology and chemistry A-level student at West Thames College

“I’ll be voting. Nick Clegg’s campaign has impressed me a lot so far, especially during the televised debate. He seemed to be the person who knew what he was doing compared to the other two party leaders.

“I plan on voting for the Liberal Democrats.

“Their ideas on healthcare, troops returning from duty, and reform of drug policy look very promising and may contribute to the future of this country greatly.”

Omolara Fawumi, 18, of Windmill Road, Slough, applied science student at West Thames Collegev

“Yes, I will be voting. I don’t know why – I just turned 18 so I will because I can.

“I am undecided which campaign has impressed me. I tried watching the TV debates about the election and I just thought they were boring. They did not relate to me as a young person. I’m new to the whole thing and – they did not give me the basic knowledge, it was all too much.

“I don’t know who I want to see as the next prime minister. Politics is boring but my family might guide me – and friends too.”

Amina Bukhari, 18, of Cranford Lane, Cranford, science student at West Thames College

“I am voting. It’s important because my vote can change the country and make it a better place to work in. I’ve seen a few campaigns and watched quite a few broadcasts on television – because I’m voting I have to be more aware of what’s going on.

“I plan on voting for David Cameron, because he seems practical. The other leaders seem to only think about the future. David Cameron is looking at what’s wrong now.”

Stephen Wan, 18, of Hawthorn Close, Cranford, government and politics A-level student at Richmond College

“I’m a little bit critical of it all. It’s become too presidential. It’s become more about the person than the party.

“I quite want to vote Labour but I don’t want to vote for the Keens. I’m not a big fan of those two. They don’t seem to have done much. There’s nobody I completely engage with.

“I think people want to demonise Gordon Brown. He’s not great at PR but I think when it comes down to it he knows more about running the country than the others.

“It’s difficult because on the one hand you’re voting for one person, but on the other, you’re voting for a party based on politics. People always say ‘I want a change’ but are never particularly sure what they want to change to.”

Rebecca Gooch, 18, of Cambridge Road, Teddington, government and politics A-level student at Richmond College

“I’m really loving following it. With any luck the debates have got more people interested. Without it, the Liberal Democrats wouldn’t have had the massive surge. I would always vote Lib Dem.

“I went to the Richmond Park hustings with Zac Goldsmith and Susan Kramer and I felt watching it they’re pretty much the same. They don’t want Heathrow expansion and they don’t want parking charges in the parks. I think it all feels a bit impersonal.

“I’m going to vote for Vince Cable. He’s one of the best MPs. For most people, Gordon Brown was the one that took us into a recession and it doesn’t matter how well he did elsewhere. I’m not a fan of David Cameron – he makes me feel a bit uncomfortable.”

Alex Dutson, 18, of Kneller Road, Whitton, government and politics A-level student at Richmond College

“It’s quite exciting. The last election was really boring but we can now vote and something might happen that’s actually different.

“People died to get us the vote and I get annoyed that some people can’t be bothered to walk down to the polling station. It’s better to spoil the ballot paper if you don’t want to vote for any of them than not showing up.

“I like Vince Cable. You want to be able to trust your MP. I feel sorry for Gordon Brown and everything David Cameron’s done with youths is entirely pompous. The leaders’ debates were good but I don’t think people understand the electoral system. They should explain it to people. I do want the voting system to change. I do think it’s grossly unfair.”