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Encouragement to get youngsters to register and use their votes in Highlands


By Gavin Musgrove

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Young people across in the strath are being encouraged to register to vote.

This current week is Welcome to Your Vote week and the Electoral Commission has created a set of online resources for young people, and those who work with them, to help young people find out how to get and use their vote.

This includes an overview of government and responsibilities at all levels, information about campaigns and how they work, and how young people can get involved in democracy.

In Scotland, young people who are 16 or over can vote in a number of elections including the upcoming local government election taking plae place on May 5.

Highland Youth Convener Anja Johnston is hoping Welcome To Your Vote week spurs on young people to get registered so they can take part in the May council elections.

She said: “Young people are the voices of the future. In Scotland we are in a privileged position of allowing 16+ year olds to vote in local government elections.

"This week, we really want to encourage young people to find out more about the democratic process and to understand just how much their vote counts in ensuring the issues that matter to them reach the voices who can make change."

Although you have to be 16 to vote at the May Local Government Elections you can register to vote at the age of 14.

To register to vote anyone aged 14 and over can register online here or alternatively contact the Electoral Registration Officer on 0800 393 783 to request a paper application form.

Those 16 or over by the time of the Local Government Election in May, and who want to know more about how you can get involved, check out resources for 14-18 year olds can do so here

For those working with young people and who want to start conversations with them about democracy and voting, they can find out more at Welcome to your vote here


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