Alexander calls for more youth MPs
With interest in politics high after the independence referendum, Highland MP Danny Alexander is encouraging young people to consider standing for the Scottish Youth Parliament.
Nominations for prospective Youth Parliament candidates opened this week. Nominations are open to anyone aged 14-25 and the closing date for getting nominations in is 31 October at 5pm, with elections taking place from 2 – 13 March 2015.
Mr Alexander said: “The Youth Parliament is a fantastic way for younger people in the Highlands to get involved with politics.
“It was remarkable to see so many 16 and 17 year olds debating and studying the arguments put forward during the referendum. And I was delighted to see schools across the Highlands holding mock referendums and engaging with the democratic process.
“I want to see more people getting involved and forming the habit of voting at a younger age. That is why I think all elections should have a minimum voting age of 16.
“With nominations now open, this is an excellent time for any local young person whose interest was seized by the referendum to continue their involvement in politics by representing the young people of the Highlands.”
