Voting starts today for Scottish Youth Parliament

EDINBURGH’S RISING STARS: VOTES TO BE CAST FOR SCOTTISH YOUTH PARLIAMENT

Voting for the new intake of  members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) starts in Edinburgh tomorrow, Friday 1 March 2013.

Sixteen young people will battle it out for the 12 Edinburgh seats – two for each of the Scottish Parliamentary areas.

Organisers hope turnout will be high after a record 10,000 ballots were cast at the last election in 2011.

Young people can register their vote at schools, colleges, universities and community centres until 13 March.

Over the last parliament, SYP members have debated issues ranging from same-sex marriage to the living wage.

Education Convenor Councillor Paul Godzik said: “The record turn-out in 2011 shows that are young people in Edinburgh are switched on, and keen to shape the matters that affect their day to day lives.

“It’s great to see so many candidates putting themselves forward, and I wish them all the best of luck.”