Voting opens for Darlington Youth MP
The ballot boxes have opened as young people across Darlington are urged to cast their vote for the borough’s next Youth MP.
Today (Monday) sees the start of election week with six candidates vying for the opportunity to represent their town in the UK Youth Parliament.
Anyone aged 11-18-years-old who either lives or is educated in Darlington can vote and ballot boxes can be found in secondary schools, colleges and other education providers; C:The One Stop Shop and C: The Box and the election will run throughout the week, with voting closing at 4pm on Friday (26 February).
In 2014, almost 4,200 votes were cast which saw the election of Danny Brown as the town’s Youth MP. Now Danny and Darlington Borough Council are keen to see an even higher turn-out for this year’s election.
Danny said: “I urge teens across Darlington to vote for their representative. On the ballot are the six candidates with their manifesto points and it only takes a minute to vote.
“When you vote you should vote for the points that you care about and affect you the most, not for the name you recognised.”
Councillor Cyndi Hughes, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, added:
“All of our candidates are passionate about the town and the issues that affect young people across our country and the world. I hope that there will be plenty of support from the young people of the borough and I’d encourage them to cast their vote to choose their representative in the UK Youth Parliament.”
The candidates are:
Liam White, 16, from Carmel College – who will be campaigning for an end to child poverty, an increase in the national minimum wage to offer a ‘living wage’ and a re-introduction of exam re-sits.
(Hanka) Thanh Ha Langerova, 15, from Longfield Academy of Sport – who will be campaigning for a curriculum for life to ensure students have the skills and knowledge they need for the real world, a youth society to give them a chance to travel more, try new things and engage in the wider world and more job opportunities/work experience.
Mille Tezcan, 15, from Greenfield Community College – who will be campaigning for greater employment and ‘working life’ opportunities, a halt to further cuts to emergency services such as fire and NHS services and re-introduce opportunity to re-sit exams.
Melodie Cherrington, 17, from Polam – who will be campaigning for healthier young people with affordable rates for leisure facilities and improved local sports clubs/facilities, better mental health support for young people and improved education, training and employment opportunities.
Lizzie Thompson, 13, from Carmel College – who will be campaigning for a Young Person Discount Card offering discounts and savings in local shops/businesses, greater part-time/weekend employment to give young people experience of the ‘real world’ and a ‘curriculum for life’ in schools to include practical skills such as budgeting and handling money.
Jessica Halliday, 16, from Carmel College – who will be campaigning for extended transport discounts for 16 to 18-year-olds, more mental health support and greater work experience opportunities.
The role will include meeting MPs and Local Councillors, holding events and running campaigns.
Results of the election will be announced on Monday, 29 February in the Council Chambers by the Mayor, Councillor Tom Nutt. Representatives from the North East will be attending the event to show their support for the work of the UK Youth Parliament.
For more information about how to vote ask at your school If your school is not taking part in the election and you want to vote, or for more information about the work of the Youth MP or how to get involved with Darlington Youth Partnership contact Andy Whittam on 07949 518506 or email [email protected]. You can also follow them on Facebook at /Darlington-youth-Partnership-DYP