Have your say on youth parliament poll

Thousands of young people across Renfrewshire are gearing up to make their views known on the issues that matter to them in the latest elections to the Scottish Youth Parliament.

The election will be held in early March and 14 young people are standing as candidates in the Renfrewshire area. Five will be elected to serve in the Scottish Youth Parliament for its next two-year term.

Scottish Youth ParliamentCouncil staff working with schools, Reid Kerr College, the University of the West of Scotland aim to increase voter turnout by 10% in the 2013 elections. The Council’s Youth Services team will support candidates to prepare for campaigning and the election process.

Councillor Jacqueline Henry, Convener of the Council’s Education Policy Board said: “Young people are key contributors to Scottish society, and we want to ensure that key decision makers hear their views on issues that are important to them.  We’re proud of our political energy in Renfrewshire and encourage all of our young people to play their part in the democratic process.”

Council staff organised the training and recruitment of the 14 candidates. The team will be helping with February’s election campaigns in schools.

Students from the University of the West of Scotland, Gryffe High, Linwood High, St Benedict’s High, Paisley Grammar, Glennifer High, Park Mains High School and St Andrew’s Academy are standing as candidates.

The Scottish Youth Parliament is made up of 150 young people aged 14-25. Two Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MYSPs) represent each Scottish Parliamentary constituency and are selected through nationally co-ordinated elections held across Scotland every two years.

MYSPs ascertain and represent the views of young people, decide upon national campaigns and liaise with different levels of government to bring about positive change.

The Scottish Youth Parliament meets at least three times a year, at national sittings. www.syp.org.uk

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