Young people are being encouraged to vote in the UK Youth Parliament elections, as schools and youth groups become polling stations for the first time.
Previously the UK Youth Parliament representatives have been elected at Hull Young People’s Parliament, but now with voting taking place in schools and youth groups it will enable more young people to vote on who they want to become their next UK Youth Parliament representatives.
Eight young people have been shortlisted from 20 who applied to represent Hull, and four young people, aged 11 to 17, will be voted to represent Hull on a local, regional and national level.
Voting will take place between 1 and 28 February.
Councillor Shane McMurray, Portfolio Holder for children’s services said: “The UK Youth Parliament gives young people from Hull the opportunity to represent our local area on a national scale. It provides a platform to have a voice on issues affecting our city’s young people.
“Young people involved will also gain an increased understanding of the views and issues affecting others and a greater insight into politics, whilst developing their own skills such as public speaking and debating.”
The Youth Parliament creates and delivers campaigns on issues affecting young people. They work with MPs, councillors and local youth groups on issues, lobby for change and amplify views of their peers.
Youth elections take place every two years and enable young people to have a voice in the democratic process.
