Youth Elections
The United Kingdom Youth Parliament (UKYP) is a programme that provides opportunities for 11-18-year-olds to use their elected voice to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning. This responsibility projects young people to reach local, regional and national government, providers of services for young people and other agencies who have an interest in the views of young people.
Youth Elections and voting take place every two years in Sandwell. Young people aged 11- 18 years vote and elect two new Members of Youth Parliament and two new Police Youth Crime Commissioners. Young people also get the chance to vote in the national ‘Make Your Mark’ ballot.
Make Your Mark
Make Your Mark is a national ballot whereby young people aged 11-18 years across the country vote for the biggest issues facing young people in today’s society. The winning issue is what Members of Youth Parliament will debate within the House of Commons.
Member of Youth Parliament Elections
Printed flyers and posters will be sent out to schools to be displayed and handed out to children and young people ahead of the elections. Digital copies of posters can also be requested by emailing shape_events@sandwell.gov.uk
Schools are encouraged to ensure at least one young person from their school applies for this role. When applications are open, the application link will be here.
Polling Stations
Every secondary school should also register as a polling station to ensure every young person in Sandwell can vote for their favourite candidate and vote in the national Make Your Mark ballot.
When applications for schools and youth groups to be polling stations, the registration link will be here.
For more information about our elected Members of Youth Parliament, Youth Police and Crime Commissioners, and Sandwell’s Make Your Mark Results, please visit the Just Youth website.
If you have any further questions or queries about Youth Elections, please email shape_events@sandwell.gov.uk
