Youth Parliament election restarts after ballot problems

There are four candidates for both Cunninghame North and Cunninghame South this time round.

The votes should have been counted and the winners announced back in November 2023 - but a Scotland-wide problem with the Young Scot e-voting platform forced a postponement until the new year.

Voting finally resumed this Monday and will continue until 3pm on Friday, January 26.

Voting will now take place through paper ballots using a single transferable vote system and number ranking.

Young people aged between 12 and 25 are eligible to vote for their preferred candidates for the new members of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

MSYPs can help make young people’s voices heard at a local and national level on a range of matters, from climate change and mental health to poverty and LGBT issues.

The four candidates for Cunninghame South are:

Emma Burns, whose main issues are economy, environment and health and wellbeing.

She said: "Voting for me will ensure that young people’s voices are heard and listened to. I care deeply about young people in our community and their rights. I will do everything in my power to make them feel valued and accepted, making a safe space to voice concerns and raise any issues."

Lee Fitzpatrick, who is focusing on health and well-being, democracy and culture and media, said: "I believe in young people and young people should believe in me. Young people want someone they can trust - who will respect them - and that person is me. I will represent and stand up for them on the national stage."

Freya Fitzsimmons, who has young people’s rights, the environment and democracy in her sights, shared: "Every young person has the right to be heard, and I am determined to make sure that they know that and that all young people feel they can express their concerns and be taken seriously. I would advocate tirelessly for young people to create a brighter, greener future for all."

Brooke Ramsay, who will target equalities, the environment and health and well-being, said: "I have always admired the idea of leading young people and letting them become vocally active. I want young people to be aware of the issues that are in our community and have the encouragement to discuss these in a safe place."

In Cunninghame North the candidates are:

Logan Gilmour, who plans to concentrate on equalities, health and wellbeing and poverty and inequality.

He said: "As I stand for re-election, my goals remain the same - to ensure that the voice of every young person is heard, to reduce child poverty, remove the stigma around drug and alcohol use and promote equality for all."

Rhyan Gorrie will focus on poverty and inequality, health and well-being and transport.

Rhyan said: "I am not just making promises. I'm dedicated to taking concrete action to improve the lives of people in our community. Together, we can build a brighter future for young people."

Emma Henderson is targeting the issues of poverty and inequality, health and wellbeing and transport.

She explained: "I want to represent young people to make sure their voices are heard. I also want to be a part of the change that affects young people across Scotland."

Adam Johnson says equalities, health and wellbeing and democracy are his main issues.

He said: "As a young person with a disability I have experience with mental health and disabilities. I put in the hard work and I am willing, determined, passionate and considerate – values that are good for an MSYP. I would represent everyone’s views and be a champion for young people."

Councillor Chloe Robertson, North Ayrshire's Young People’s Champion and a former MSYP said: "Young people are at the heart of everything we do as a council, and it is great to see these eight young people standing for election.

"I wish all eight candidates good luck, thank them for getting involved and look forward to the election. And I hope to see a great turnout of young people casting their votes from today."

Voting is open for 12 to 25-year-olds and, in community settings, polling staff will ask for photo ID before voting. 

Voting centres are as follows:

All secondary schools across North Ayrshire – voting will be open during school hours - along with Beith Trust, Pryde Kilwinning, Arran Youth Foundation, Irvine Legacy Hub, Ayrshire College, All North Ayrshire Childrens Houses (for residents only), Young Carers Centre, Irvine and all North Ayrshire Libraries.