Youth elections – have your say
Warwick’s young politicians are on the campaign trail as elections for Warwickshire’s members of UK Youth Parliament and VOX (Warwickshire Youth Forum) approach.
Young people in the area are invited to come along to a special event at the Royal Priors in Leamington Spa on Saturday 31 January between 11am – 1pm to vote for their local representatives.
A record number of 44 young people aged between 12 and 18 from around the county are standing for the two elections with nine candidates from Warwick District. Some of the Warwick candidates will be present at the event to canvas and answer any questions.
The elections are organised by Warwickshire County Council’s Youth and Community Service who have provided a number of voting opportunities during election fortnight which runs from 26 January to 6 February.
In addition to the Royal Priors event, youngsters can vote by ballot at facilities at youth centres in Lillington, Warwick, Campion and Kenilworth and at most local secondary schools.
Election results for the county will be announced on Wednesday 11 February where four members of youth parliament and four deputies, along with fifteen members for VOX will be elected.
During their term of office MYPs represent the views and interests of young people in their constituency, both locally and nationally, by meeting councillors, MPs and other decision makers to take forward issues of local importance.
VOX has fifteen members with three representatives for each Warwickshire District. Members are actively engaged in local decision making, working with their adult counterparts to influence developments for young people within their districts.
Cabinet Member Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Children Young People and Families said: “We welcome the news that even more young people are getting involved in the political process by producing their own mini manifestos and standing for the youth elections.
“As a County Council we work very closely with our MYPs and VOX members and it is important that young people make their views and concerns heard.”
For further information about the elections, including how to vote in Warwick, please contact Aron Truss on 01926 498088 ext. 203.