Young people in the city to take part in Europe’s largest youth vote
Young people in Brighton & Hove have a chance to get their voices heard by the government in a nationwide ballot to find out which current issues are concerning them most.
The UK Youth Parliament’s Make Your Mark ballot gives young people the opportunity to vote on the issues that matter to them - and ensure they are on the local and national political agenda. It is the largest consultation of young people in Europe.
Voting takes place online and is live from 1 to 28 February 2022. It is open to young people aged between 11 and 18.
Hove Park, Blatchington Mill and Dorothy Stringer are among the schools taking part, while Brighton & Hove’s Youth Council has launched an Instagram campaign to raise awareness and get young people in the city voting.
'Our voices are stronger than you think'
Louise Brown, 17, is deputy chair of Brighton & Hove Youth Council, which is championing Make Your Mark locally alongside Brighton & Hove City Council.
Louise said: “Make your Mark is a great way for teenagers to have their say on the biggest issues facing them.
“To take part you simply click on the vote link, enter your postcode and choose which issue you care about most. The seven topics include Covid recovery, the environment, and mental health & wellbeing. By adding your post code, you’ll ensure your vote is recorded by locality.
“Our new Instagram campaign is an exciting way to get many more young people in Brighton & Hove involved in the vote and to join us in youth action. Our voices are stronger than you think – and people are willing to listen.”
Young people aged between 11 and 18 can vote via a simple online ballot form on the UK Youth Parliament website. Watch this video to find out more about the vote and how the UK Youth Parliament will use the results to influence change.
Vote in the Make Your Mark ballot
Councillor Hannah Clare, chair of the council’s Children, Young People and Skills committee, said: “Make your Mark is a unique opportunity for young people across the UK to be heard by decision-makers at every level of government.
“In 2021 the top three issues voted for by young people in Brighton & Hove were the environment, mental health & wellbeing, and knife crime.
“As well as informing our priorities and policies as a council, we have supported young people in the city to take action on these issues and to get involved in our decision-making so our services better meet their needs.
“For example, the Youth Council has led a campaign on reducing plastic waste and lobbied on climate change, while representatives from other youth groups have been actively involved in improving support for young people’s mental health in the city.
Councillor Clare added: “It would be fantastic to get as many young people as possible involved in this year’s vote so we know what their priorities are.
“I’m delighted that seven secondary schools in the city are already on board, and we look forward to more joining us in the next four weeks.”
Vote in the Make Your Mark ballot
The annual Make Your Mark ballot has taken place each year since 2011 and is coordinated by the British Youth Council with the support of UK Parliament, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, schools and local authorities. Find out more about Make Your Mark on the UK Youth Parliament website
Schools
Schools in Brighton & Hove wishing to get involved can contact Tracie James, Youth Work Co-ordinator at BHCC, via tracie.james@brighton-hove.gov.uk. There is more information for schools on the UK Youth Parliament website.
Join the Youth Council
Brighton & Hove Youth Council is run by young people aged 13 to 19 (and up to aged 25 with special educational needs and disabilities - SEND). Find out more about Youth Council and join up via the Brighton & Hove Youth Council webpage or their Instagram page.
