Call for young people in Highlands to find out about their vote

Young people are being encouraged to find out more about democracy during Welcome to Your Vote week.

The Electoral Commission has created a set of online resources for young people, and those who work with them, to start discussions and 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 the process.

Highland youth convener Caitlyn Munro said: “Young people are our future. This week we really want to encourage young people to find out more about the democratic process and to understand that their vote is just as important. I hope that young people see how simple the voting process is and that voting ensures the issues that matter to them reach the voices who can make change.”

Welcome to Your Vote week runs until Sunday, February 5.

In order to vote, you must first be registered. In Scotland, you can register to vote when you’re 14, but you can only start to vote in some elections when you turn 16.

The Electoral Registration Officer will send you a letter to confirm when your name will be added to the electoral register.

Registering to vote takes just five minutes if you do it online. If you’re 16 or older, all you’ll need is your National Insurance number. If you’re under 16, you won’t be asked to supply a National Insurance number.

To register to vote visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or you can contact the Electoral Registration Officer on 0800 393 783 and ask for a paper application form.

If you work with young people and want to start conversations with them about democracy and voting, you can find out more at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/welcome-your-vote

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