Young people are being encouraged to have their say on local issues that matter to them by voting in the UK Youth Parliament elections taking place next week.
In Bath and North East Somerset, two Members of Youth Parliament will be elected on Thursday 2 February. One will represent Bath and the other will represent North East Somerset. They will come together to work on projects that affect both regions and at national and regional events to represent the authority.
Young people can vote at the polling booths, which are open at most schools across Bath and North East Somerset, from 8.30am to 3pm on Thursday 2 February. They will also be able to vote in youth hubs from Monday 30 January – these slots are particularly for young people who do not attend school or are not able to on the Thursday.
Two candidates are standing for Bath: Louis Dejeu-Castang and Mike Fidanoglu; while three candidates are standing for North East Somerset: William Bridges, Jake Smaje and George Brown.
Councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib-Dem, Peasedown), Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth, will be announcing the result of the election as returning officer. He said: “This is an opportunity for young people across Bath and North East Somerset to have a say in who they want to represent them on issues that matter to them. I would urge every young person to use their right to vote in the Youth Parliament elections and make sure their voice is heard.
“Improving the life chances of children and young people is a key priority of Bath & North East Somerset Council so we’re proud to support the Youth Parliament. We wish all the candidates the best of luck and we look forward to working alongside the elected members in the future.”
Bath & North East Somerset Council is providing the necessary equipment and support to help run the election, including ballot boxes, booths and papers. The election count will take place in the Banqueting Room at the Guildhall, Bath, from 4pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend the count and the result is expected to be announced by 9pm.
The UK Youth Parliament has over 600 representatives. There are 369 seats for elected Members of Youth Parliament and over 230 Deputy Members of Youth Parliament, all aged 11-18.
Members are usually elected in annual youth elections throughout the UK. Any young person aged 11-18 can stand or vote. In the past two years one million young people have voted in UK Youth Parliament elections.
