This year’s UK Youth Parliament elections take place across Dorset next month, giving local 11-18 year olds a voice in national decision making.
The UKYP has been running for 10 years and Dorset has three representatives, elected each year.
This year’s vote takes place on the 2 February with the results announced a week later in council chambers, County Hall. Around 15,000 young people from schools across the county are likely to vote.
The 12 candidates are from schools across the county, supported by Dorset County Council electoral service. Official ballot boxes and polling booths are provided at each school for the voting to take place.
The successful candidates will have opportunities throughout the year to meet with MPs and local councillors to discuss issues and represent the voice of young people.
Toni Coombs, cabinet member for children’s services, said:
“With three MYP members currently covering Dorset the elections are a great way for young people to learn about, and be involved in, local issues and the way young people are involved in national issues.
“By working closely with schools and councils young people are learning about democracy and the importance of local and central government.
“I wish the candidates the best of luck.”
There are 12 candidates for this year’s election, from schools across Dorset – they are:
• Imogen Barnard – Woodroffe School
• Emilie Bray – Shaftesbury Sports College
• Leon Buongiorno – Blandford School
• Amelia Caley – Ferndown Middle School
• Jake Carroll – Ferndown Middle School
• Cameron Dabbs – St Osmunds Middle School
• Moya Dunne – Ferndown Upper School
• Jamie Edge – Emmanuel Middle School
• Natasha Glendening – The Gryphon
• Lloyd Hatton – All Saints School
• Ben Macklin – St Osmunds School
• Callum Mercer – Twynham School
• Oliver McGowen – Budmouth School
To learn more about UKYP go to http://ukyp.org.uk/4598.html. For information on Dorset’s young parliament members or candidates log on to http://ukyp.org.uk/20418/index.html or contact Shani Bancroft, local democracy and participation manager, on (01305) 851068.
