Young people in Scotland between 14 and 25 have two weeks to sign up as prospective candidates for the 2023 SYP elections, with the organisation urging professionals to encourage young people to stand.
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SYP is democratically elected every two years, with two members (MSYPs) elected per Scottish constituency and a variety of voluntary organisations, and is tasked with representing young people across Scotland.
The organisation has published a range of resources for educators and youth workers, to encourage young people to stand as candidates, including social media materials, posters and workshop materials.
Prospective candidates have until midnight on Friday 1 September to register their interest in standing, and can do so on SYP’s election website.
After registering, candidates will receive training over the summer to help them develop their skills prior to launching their election campaign in autumn this year.
The elections are due to take place between 6 and 19 November this year, with all young people living in Scotland aged 12 to 25 being eligible to vote.
⏰ TWO WEEKS TO GO: There's not long to go to register in the 2023 @OfficialSYP Elections!
— SYP (@OfficialSYP) August 18, 2023
📣 #StandForSYP and represent young people on the issues that matter to them
➡️ Register now! Head to https://t.co/0ucsFbdaaS pic.twitter.com/cO7K8w6QUB
Mollie McGoran, member and chair of SYP, said: “This is a chance to join a uniquely youth-led organisation to campaign for change on the important issues that young people care about.
“As well as giving a voice to children and young people, MSYPs will also build their confidence and learn new skills all whilst having fun and making friends along the way.”
SYP has led a number of campaigns over the years, with its current priorities including the right to food, the climate crisis, drugs-related harm as a public health issue and educational attainment.
The current cohort of MSYPs recently met for a national sitting in Orkney in July this year, where members from across Scotland met to debate policy and continue committee work.
