Running for the UK youth election

th Parliament Election in Wokingham Borough 3 to 7 December 2007

In December, we will be holding elections for the UK Youth Parliament. Young people are invited to stand for election to contest the one seat that Wokingham hold on the parliament.

The candidates will be asked to campaign on 3 main issues that they believe effect the lives of the Wokingham Youth Constituency and how they would best work towards improving services or facilities for youngsters across the Borough.

The voting process

The voting process takes place over the course of one week. Young people can vote in schools, Youth Centres or at Mobile Youth provisions across the area. Election events at polling stations can be either 1 day during the voting week or more.

We will provide participating organisations with all the support, publicity and materials they need to run a successful election.

After 5 days of voting the slips are counted. On the Wednesday of the following week the results are announced at the Council Chamber in Shute End. The successful candidate will then take up their role of Member of Youth Parliament for Wokingham on 1 February 2008.

To take part in the 2007 election, or for further information contact Paul Blount on 0118 944 0449 or 07710 862 409 or email paul.blount@wokingham.gov.uk

The results

The candidate with the most votes becomes the elected Member of the Youth Parliament or MYP for Wokingham Borough. The candidate who comes second becomes the deputy.

What happens then?

The term of office lasts for one year from 1st February until 31st January.

They will get the chance to meet their Member of Parliament, local Council members, speak out on local issues, be consulted by the Council on their opinions, attend local and regional meetings and go on residentials. They will also get the chance to take part in debates and Select Committees.

They will be supported by the deputy and by members of the Youth Forum. There will be the chance to plan social events, perhaps visit The Palace of Westminster or even make links with young people in Europe.

The National Sitting

The highlight of their year will be the free 4 day National Sitting. They will go with their youth worker to stay at a University with other Members of Youth Parliament. This year's National Sitting will be held in Strathclyde in Scotland.

There is a mixture of social activities and serious discussion groups. The aim is to produce the youth manifesto which the government will recognise when planning policies.

Do they get an award for this work?

They can gain a Millennium Volunteer Award if they are over 16. This work is also ideal to use for the Service Section of your Duke of Edinburgh Award if they are 14+ and there is also the Member of Youth Parliament Participation Certificate issued by the United Kingdom Youth Parliament.