Published on:
03
March 2017
Young people across Clackmannanshire are campaigning for votes to become Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs), as the voting officially opens for the 2017 SYP Elections.
The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) is the democratically elected voice of Scotland's young people. It provides a national platform for young people to discuss issues important to them and affect the change they wish to see.
There are five candidates in Clackmannanshire: Aaron Baird, Ross McIntyre, Huw Sherrard, James Orr and Stephanie Davies. Two MSYPs are elected from every parliamentary constituency in Scotland.
SYP was influential in helping secure votes for 16-year-olds in Scotland, and has also been a key voice in the campaign for equal marriage through its Love Equally campaign. SYP's current campaign, Speak Your Mind, focuses on raising awareness of mental health, empowering young people to talk positively about mental health, and calling for accessible, high quality mental health services and information for all of Scotland's young people.
The voting period will take place between Friday 3rd March 2017 and Friday 17th March 2017, and young people will be able to cast their vote to elect an MSYP to represent them in their local area or national voluntary organisation.
Young people can cast their vote by submitting a paper ballot at a number of local venues including schools, Forth Valley College and community venues.
Further information on candidates standing for election and how to vote in their area or organisation can be found on the SYP website.
Returning Officer Elaine McPherson said: "The Scottish Youth Parliament offers an ideal chance for young people to be heard on both national and local issues and I would urge everyone eligible to cast their vote."