With thanks to Liam Yeats.
Aberdeen City Youth Council (ACYC) has officially voted on their annual campaign. The idea, ‘Independence Referendum: Inform, Educate & Register’, was submitted by former Chair, Barry Black.
The motion submitted read as:
‘With the upcoming passage of legislation finalising details of the Scottish Independence referendum, ACYC’s main campaign should be an information and education campaign. We should also promote voter registration to make sure as many young people in Aberdeen as possible are eligible to vote – this will of course involve registering for the first time 16 and 17 year olds who will be extended the franchise for this vote’
During their February meeting, ACYC voted to remain impartial in the Scottish Independence Referendum debate (For: 12, Against: 1 & 0 Abstentions) as many Youth Councillors felt that they should be educating young people, rather than dividing themselves.
Barry Black (Youth Councillor) said:
“I think it is vital the ACYC is at the forefront of registering and facilitating debate ahead of Scotland’s biggest ever vote. The added decision of extending the vote to 16-17 itself provides a great challenge and opportunity for all whose aim it is to increase political participation. The ACYC has time and time again shown it is effective at impartially facilitating political debate and we must ensure the youth voice is represented in this debate more than any in any debate that has been taken before.”
Struan King (ACYC Chair) said:
“It’s a really exciting time to be involved in youth democracy. Come next September young people will have a historic opportunity to have their say on Scotland’s future. The Aberdeen City Youth Council has the very serious responsibility of ensuring young people are informed and understand the issues in question to make their vote.”
Aberdeen City Youth Council is now looking into at ideas for the campaign and how they will implement it.
For more information about Aberdeen City Youth Council email, info@acyc.info or visit www.acyc.info