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| Young people can get voting until February 6. |
Young people urged to vote and make a difference
Staffordshire County Council's Youth Service is calling on young people across the county to 'Make your say count' by voting in this year's UK Youth Parliament elections. A total of thirty candidates from across the county are standing to become members in the four constituencies of Staffordshire, and competition is tight as there are only 4 member places and 4 deputies.
From Saturday January 24 until midnight on Friday February 6 voters can vote online at www.staffordshire.gov.uK/ukyp - where you'll find details of all the prospective candidates and their personal statements. Voters can also text their vote by putting 'yote,' then a space and then the name of the candidate they want to vote for - to 60003.
The UK Youth Parliament is a national charity which gives young people aged between 11 and 18 a voice which will be heard by local and national government as well as the providers of other services for youngsters. The group holds a three-day national conference every summer as well as regional assembles every other month.
This year's elections will elect four Members of Youth Parliament (MYP) representing North Staffs, East Staffs, South Staffs and West Staffs. A member of Staffordshire's Youth Parliament will then go on to represent the West Midlands region in the national Youth Parliament.
MYPs that have been elected in previous year's elections have made a huge difference to the lives of young people in Staffordshire by organising various campaigns such as youth conferences, education seminars, volunteering projects and campaigning against bullying. MYPs are also actively involved in decision making at the highest levels of the County Council.
County Councillor Eric Drinkwater, Cabinet Support Member for the Youth Service said: "This is the biggest chance of the year for the young people of Staffordshire to vote in the people who will represent them at both local and national level, so we urge everyone to vote simply by text or online to make sure their candidate gets elected. Take a look at the candidate manifestos on the website, and vote for the person in your area who you think best represents your views.
As a Council, we're always listening to what young people want and their views do make a difference."
Darren Foley, Youth Participation Worker for the Staffordshire Youth Service said "We have a total of 30 candidates standing for election this year, and this really shows the passion young people have for making a difference. Their voice is getting stronger each year.
"We're really looking forward young people from all over Staffordshire getting voting for who they want to represent their views at local and national level. We had a huge number of votes cast last year, but we're looking to get even more young people to have their say. With voting soon to start, we want young people to vote. Votes do count and are absolutely imperative to make sure the right person is elected, and make sure that services for young people continue to improve both across Staffordshire, nationally and internationally. It's time to stand up and make your voice heard!"
Page Last Modified:
30/01/2009 11:12:54
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