Young people urged to stand for Community Council elections

9th August 2011

For the first time in the Highlands, 16 and 17 year olds will be able to seek election to their local Community Council.

The change is a core feature of a new scheme for the establishment of Community Councils agreed by The Highland Council earlier this year.

Another first is that Community Council elections will take place across the Highlands on the same day - Wednesday 16 November - in instances where the number of candidates exceeds the number of places available.

To be eligible to stand, young people need to complete a voter registration form and submit it to the Electoral Registration Officer before 31 August.

Voter registration forms and copies of the scheme for the establishment of Community Councils can be downloaded from the home page of The Highland Council website www.highland.gov.uk;. Forms can also be obtained fron any Service Point, or by telephoing the Council's Service Centre (Tel 01349 886606).

Convener Sandy Park said: "Community Councils will benefit hugely from the involvement of young people. The Highland Youth Voice, the youth parliament for the Highlands, has shown the very valuable contribution young people can make to the policy making and decision taking process.

"I would encourage young people with an interest in serving their local community council to complete a voter registration form by 31 August to ensure their eligibility."

Paige Shepherd, Highland Youth Voice Executive Member, said: "Sixteen and Seventeen year olds being able to stand for Community Councils is a huge milestone for young people. Having their say about what goes on in their communities and the opportunity to vote is fantastic! This should encourage more young people to be involved in Community Councils and make a change in their communities for the better!"