Sandwell youth cabinet elections taking place
Published on 17th February 2012
Young people in Sandwell are being urged to use their vote to decide who represents them at local and national level.
The council's young people's services has officially launched the elections, which are to elect young people to two distinct roles:
- members of the Shadow Youth Cabinet, to influence local decisions
- members of UK Youth Parliament, to influence national and international decisions
The elections are taking place between February 20-23, in registered schools, youth centres and in the voluntary sector, to make sure young people have the maximum chance to vote.
Both elections are held at the same time and 25 young people are standing for election.
The aim of the Youth Cabinet and United Kingdom Youth Parliament is to give young people across Sandwell the opportunity to:
- represent their peers
- air their views
- influence changes in local and national government and other organisations that will improve services for young people.
Cabinet member for children and families Councillor Bob Badham said: "I believe in the right of young people to have a voice at a local and national level, and to be represented by young people who can express and share the views of their peers.
"Local politics affect everyone, no matter what their age or background, and young people now have the opportunity to influence what goes on at a local level, national and international level by voting for their representatives.
"The forthcoming elections will ensure that young people in Sandwell have a real voice.
"I look forward to working closely with the successful Shadow Youth Cabinet members."
Adam Price and Mohammed Rohim, who are joint chairs of the current Sandwell Shadow Youth Cabinet, said: "Representing the voice of our peers has been a brilliant opportunity which has been rewarding and a life changing experience.
"We have been able to consult with our constituents, establish a youth manifesto, challenge decision making at the highest level and bring about changes.
"Our members have led the movement to engage and empower young people in Sandwell and nationally and we are supportive that the work that has been done by us and our predecessors continues."
Results will be announced on Friday (24 February).