Under 18s urged to vote in youth election
Young people are being urged to vote in this year’s election to find the city’s new UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) representatives.
Seven candidates are set to battle it out to become one of four young people to represent the city’s youth at a local, regional and national level. The successful candidates will act as the voice of young people from 11 to 18 years old on topics like relationships and sex education to bullying and discrimination to public transport and employability.
The UK Youth Parliament aims to give the voice of young people the chance to be heard by local and national government. It has been running since 1999 and has over 500 young people in its national membership.
This year Plymouth’s elections are taking place in schools across the city between the 2 and 6 February. There will also be an opportunity for young people to cast their vote in the city centre on Saturday 31 January from 10.30am until 4pm in the mobile voting bus at the Place De Brest.
Young voters will get the chance to meet the candidates, who will be canvassing in the area until voting closes at 4pm. The final results will be announced at the Council House on Saturday 7 February.
Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health said: “Voting in our UKYP election is open to all 11 to 18 year olds living in Plymouth. I’m hoping that as many young people as possible come along on 31st to cast their vote to elect a strong voice to represent them locally.
“The elections are a great way to get our young people excited about politics and helps them realise they can get their views heard at the highest level.”
The council will continue to offer extra support to UKYP members as part of the Annual Youth Challenge, which will dedicate officer time and funding to ensure that UKYP members have the skills and means to help them deliver on their manifesto pledges.
UKYP members will also be able to call upon a range of services including advice from councillors, training courses, design and print services and web support.
For more information about this year’s candidates please either come along on the day of the election when campaign reels will be played or for information before the big day, call Emma Wright on 01752 307652 or 07818511379 or email emma.wright@plymouth.gov.uk
