This month is going to feel very long.  Not only will we celebrate the longest day on 20 June, as the summer solstice comes around, but a few days later the long and tortuous European referendum campaign will finally come to an end.

I cannot imagine a more depressing political campaign of hyperbolic nonsense. 

Both the remain and leave sides have given in to exaggeration and counter-exaggeration of their various positions, as they have floundered for populist traction. By the end of the month this will all be over and we will know the nation’s decision. We can then settle down to watch England’s attempt to conquer Europe in the European Championship, free from this existential debate.

So why is this important to teachers? Why bother the readers of TES with more of this madness?

Many teachers in secondary school and further education teach young people over the age of 18, who are eligible to vote. But only if they register. People who are 18 or over on 23 June must register by next Tuesday and can do so online.

Since 2014, we have had individual voter registration in this country, replacing the old system, in which the head of the household had the responsibility to register everyone at their address. As a result, 1 million people have fallen off the register. Many of these are young people and many 18 year olds will not know that it is their individual responsibility to register.

Is it the role of teachers to encourage registration?

Yes, I think so. Of course, they shouldn’t tell anyone how to vote, but I think it is our duty in these last few days to strongly encourage participation. 

We teach citizenship because of a belief that active citizenship encourages responsibility, community, understanding and participation. There is no greater symbol of citizenship than voting.

In this case it is even more important. Governments come and go, as do politicians (thank goodness!) But the decision to leave the European Union is a once-in-a-generation choice. 

Do we stand alone or stick together? Do we take control of our own destiny or keep influence through our alliances? There are great questions that can be debated in schools and colleges over the next few weeks. We can shut our ears to the noise of politicians and their media friends, and research and find our own answers.

But we can do nothing unless we take part. Please register and do your best to help others you can influence.

Jim Knight is chief education adviser to TES’ parent company, TES Global, and a former Labour minister of state for schools. He tweets as @jimpknight

Want to keep up with the latest education news and opinion? Follow TES on Twitter and like TES on Facebook