ELECTION NIGHT FEVER 2011 The Aberdeen Scottish Youth Parliament Elections
The Online elections started in haste this term with 15 candidates nominated for the parliamentary constituencies and Young Scot online voting to be managed In Aberdeen like most areas the Online Voting period ran from the 14th – the 25th March The voting period was extended to the 29th to accommodate the Election Event at the Council Chamber.
Promotion of Elections The online voting was promoted through youth networks by email, texting, facebook, twitter, CLD information stalls and the front page of the ACC website (voter guidance for the national elections was temporarily removed for one week to accommodate). AUSA also ensured that the University website contained the information and links for university students Young people were able to vote using their Young Scot card numbers and the election officer held on to temporary numbers where batches were held at St Machar Academy,Torry Academy ,Robert Gordons,Tilly Youth Project, Aberdeen College Student Association and Mastrick Young Peoples Project. A full day promotional stall was held at Aberdeen College by youth councillors to canvass for votes. .
Announcements The final election event which enabled young people who didn’t have a Young Scot card and who couldnt obtain a temporary number the opportunity to vote. By the end of the voting a total of 1204 votes was counted and the following candidates won the 6 MSYP positions for Donside,Central and North & South Kincardine; Donside; Barry Thomson Chris Cromar Central Ashleigh O Connor Hanlon Barry Black North and South Kincardine Megan Lukins Josh Cowe
The Election Candidates were asked to stand by Youth Council Chair Sean Press for the announcement of winning candidates
Quotes Ashleigh O Connor Hanlon:
“I will commit to serving all the young people of Aberdeen especially those with the greatest need “ Megan Lukins:
“I’ve only been involved in Youth Politics since April last year, since then I
have been elected as the secretary of the Aberdeen City Youth Council and was successful in a by election and became the MSYP for Aberdeen South. I could have never guessed how much I enjoyed representing young people on both a local level and at a national level. My most noted record of achievement is speaking in front of the public petitions committee on the votes at 16 and the banning of the mosquito device. This was an experience I found very exciting – to sit in the chamber of the Scottish Parliament was something I would never have seen myself doing at the age of 16. This sense of achievement is very encouraging and helps us all to feel confident in raising the voices of the youth in Aberdeen “
Kristian Chapman: (Yes to fairer votes campaign and newly appointed Youth Councillor)
“Fantastic to see a number of individuals from across the city involved and
coming to witness the SYP Elections. It is really important that young people engage and get their voices heard...most councillors are in their late 30’s onwards and the best way to engage young people in local decision making in Aberdeen is the Youth Council and Scottish Youth Parliament ”
Candidate Question Time Time Prior to the announcement of votes attendees were given the opportunity to ask the candidates what they intend to do during their 2 year term. On the subject of sex education there was a cross MSYP agreement that sexual health, drugs and alcohol education needed to be improved Councillor Marie Boulton added ;
“I am keen to see Drugs and Alcohol Education reformed in schools throughout PSE classes”
Barry Black spoke out about the work of GRADE A, a sub group of the Youth Council and in partnership with Drugs Action Peer Education Project. Barry Thomson wants to see the debate centre around the legalisation of Cannabis for medicinal purposes only ;
“in many cases people die because of a concoction of prescribed drugs , evidence suggests that the elements of cannabis which provides pain relief for multiple sclerosis and arthritis sufferers is completely non fatal if not harmless” When asked about the threat to community centres and youth services Donside MSYP Barry Thomson replied;
“We knew that there was going to be cuts but the 67% cut to Community learning and Development was a surprise and had taken the Youth Council off guard �
SYP Elections throughout the country 30 Local Authorities out of 32 ran the Scottish Youth Parliament Elections 12 candidates won their seats in Edinburgh with a total of over 10000 votes The Edinburgh election was organised by the City of Edinburgh Council's Children and Families and Communications Service. Aberdeenshire supported by full time staff and youth workers obtained over 2000 votes In Aberdeenshire there are seven members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) who cover four constituencies of Banff & Buchan Coast, Aberdeenshire East, Aberdeenshire West, North Angus & Mearns, they hold local surgeries and organise youth consultations. The role of the MSYP is to represent the views of the other young people, nationally and locally. In Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSYP Christina Hendry was congratulated by her Uncle Alex Salmond
Final word BY THE YOUTH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN SEAN PRESS
“This year has seen more candidates in the SYP Elections in Aberdeen than ever before, making for an election full of suspense and surprise. All the candidates have campaigned hard and I wish the newly elected MSYPs all the best in making young people in Aberdeen be heard nationally”
NEWLY ELECTED MSYPS FOR 2011-2013
Donside Barry Thomson Chris Cromar
Central Ashleigh O Connor Hanlon Barry Black
North and and South Kincardine Megan Lukins Josh Cowe
For further information Contact the local SYP Coordinator 01224 523410 youthaction@aberdeencity.gov.uk