Youngsters go to the poll

Thirty four young people will battle it out for 20 seats up for grabs in Herefordshire’s first ever Youth Council election next week.

Young people across the county will go to the poll by texting for their favourite candidate between Monday, March 6, and Friday, March 10.  

To vote, text yc, leave one space, followed by your candidate’s name and the number that represents their seat and send it to 60003. The text needs to be in lower case and the vote is open for people aged between 11 to 18.

For example ‘yc sarah83’ and send it to 60003.

A full list of candidates including their manifestos is available on http://www.herefordshireyouthcouncil.co.uk/. People can vote for whichever candidate they want but will be limited to one vote only.

The results of the election will be announced shortly after the lines close.

“The candidates are in place and their manifestos written. These can be viewed online,” said Amy Lunt, Herefordshire Council’s Youth Involvement Worker.

“This is an excellent opportunity for young people to get engaged and have their say. Once formed, the Youth Council will work towards addressing young people’s concerns and helping to secure better provisions and facilities.”

The Herefordshire Youth Council will be made up of 20 elected representatives from:

- Five seats in the Hereford city north and surrounds ward
- Three seats in the Hereford city south and surrounds ward
- Two seats in the Leominster, Wigmore and surrounds ward 
- Two seats in Kington, Weobley and surrounds ward
- Two seats in the Ledbury and surrounds ward
- Two seats in the Ross and surrounds ward
- Two seats in the Bromyard and surrounds ward
- Two seats in the Golden Valley and surrounds ward

The Youth Council is aimed at giving young people aged between 11 – 18 a voice. Once established it will work in partnership with other statutory bodies such as Herefordshire Council.