Thousands of Wiltshire teenagers vote in youth parliament elections (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Thousands of Wiltshire teenagers vote in youth parliament elections

2:13pm Thursday 16th February 2012 in News

More than 34,400 young people used their mobile phones to text votes for candidates standing in the Wiltshire Assembly of Youth and UK Youth Parliament elections this month.

Three young people were elected to the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) and a further 10 to the Wiltshire Assembly of Youth (WAY).

During the election candidates campaigned at a range of school assemblies, local clubs and development centres with posters, manifestos and text details displayed.

Once young people had sent their free text messages with the name of their preferred candidate, their mobile phone was blocked so they could not vote again.

Every youth centre had an unblocked mobile phone for young people who did not have their own phone.

Laura Mayes, portfolio holder for children’s services said: "This fantastic turnout shows that young people genuinely care about democracy and want to get their voices heard.

"The key issues which candidates campaigned on include transport, youth opportunities and employment and changing the negative perception of young people.

"There is now an opportunity for these issues to be put on the agenda in Wiltshire and across the country.

"The success of WAY and UKYP is growing and their views are taken very seriously at the highest levels not only in the county but also the country."

WAY is made up of 26 young people from across the whole county.

It represents young people’s opinions at high level decision-making meetings across Wiltshire and through lobbying for change where they feel improvements could be made. Deputy UKYP: Simone Snashall, Malmesbury; Jamie Capp, Amesbury; Ellie Pullen, Westbury. WAY: Brienne-Jade Malcock, Malmesbury; Chloe Metana, Chippenham; George Lockwood, Malmesbury; Tom Woods, Trowbridge; Julianna Suess, Warminster; Kiera Austen, Tisbury; Kaylum House, Bradford on Avon; Livvy Snell, Salisbury; Harriet Cross, Salisbury; Daisy Billinge, Salisbury.

To see the full results, log on to www.sparksite.co.uk.