Clwyd West Assembly Member Darren Millar visited young people at a Colwyn Bay secondary school this week to promote the upcoming Welsh Youth Parliament election.  

Darren spoke to Year 9 pupils at Ysgol Bryn Elian about the election, which will see 60 young people aged 11-18 across Wales become Welsh Youth Parliament Members (WYPMs).

Young people themselves will elect 40 of them by voting next month and the remaining 20 will be elected by partner organisations. Putting the Parliament together this way will make sure there is representation from diverse groups of young people.

Darren said:

“A Youth Parliament is a key part of the Assembly Commission’s commitment to give children and young people a voice at a national level. It was voted for by all political parties represented at the Assembly.

“It follows the publication of the Young Person’s Charter in 2014, which committed the Assembly to become a world leader in youth engagement.

“The pupils at Ysgol Bryn Elian seemed very enthusiastic about taking part in the election and were pleased that the National Assembly are creating this platform to ensure that the voice of young people throughout Wales is heard.

“As well as the students at Ysgol Bryn Elian, I would urge all young people who are eligible to vote to register today and cast their vote in November for the candidate they believe will best represent them. You have never had this opportunity before, don’t waste it.”       

Young people aged between 11 and 18 wishing to vote in the Welsh Youth Parliament elections need to register and have until November 18th to do so. Registration is online and takes about 5 minutes.

On 5 November 2018, those who’ve registered will be able to see and read a short biography on all the candidates who are standing to be a Welsh Youth Parliament Member where they live.

Those who have registered to vote will receive an email on 5 November 2018 with instructions on how to cast their vote. They can then vote any time between 5 November 2018 and 25 November 2018.

To register to vote visit: https://www.youthparliament.wales/vote