The largest consultation of young people’s views in the country is once again calling upon Leicestershire teenagers to say what issues matter to them most.
Leicestershire County Council has launched the ‘Make Your Mark Campaign’ and is urging young people to make their voices heard.
The national campaign encourages all 11-18 year olds to complete a ballot either within their schools or online before the closing date of 5 October.
The votes will then be shortlisted to decide what will be debated in the House of Commons by the UK Youth Parliament on 11 November.
Being able to vote and express your choice is a cherished value of democratic societies. It’s important that young people’s views shape local services and this ballot is a great way to make your voice heard.
Person:Councillor Ivan Ould, cabinet member for children and families
Voters are asked to choose their main concern from 10 issues including first aid education for all young people, body image and mental health.
Last year the three Leicestershire Members of Youth Parliament (MYP) and members of the County Youth Council (CYCLe) – supported by the county council -, engaged 9,582 young people in the ballot and over the last year have been campaigning on mental health and raising awareness of hate through the national campaign #Don’t Hate Educate.
Fifteen-year-old Leicestershire MYP, Simran Sangherra, said: “The annual Make Your Mark Ballot is the largest consultation of young people in the country. Please get into contact with us if your school has not already signed up, we would love to get every 11 to 18 year old’s voice heard in Leicestershire. You can find us on Twitter @LYVMedia.”).
This year hopes to see an increase in numbers to beat the national record of 969,992 young people taking part.
Find out more about the UK Youth Parliament.