Saturday (19th January) the three candidates - Kavi Chauhan, Chris Copley and Megan Sylvester - will officially launch their election campaigns at Southend’s Victoria Shopping Centre.
From then on, until the close of voting on Saturday 2nd February, they will be bidding to win the hearts and minds of Southend’s young people.
The hotly-awaited election results will be announced at the Southend Youth Council meeting on Wednesday 6th February from 5pm to 7pm in the Council Chamber at Southend Civic Centre by the Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Councillor Sally Carr.
To read the manifestos of each candidate online go to http://www.southend-connexions.co.uk/youth-mayor-election-2013/
Alternatively, to see a video summary of their manifestos go to http://www.youtube.com/user/SoSYouthCouncil/videos?flow=grid&view=0
You can also follow the election campaign on Twitter by using the hash-tag #SOSYouthMayor2013
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, Councillor James Courtenay, said: “Our Youth Council is going from strength to strength, led by a succession of very able Youth Mayors and Deputies who have really made their mark in these prestigious roles.
“Every young person aged from 11 to 19 who lives in the Borough or goes to school here is eligible to vote in these elections, so we urge as many as possible to join in with this crucial democratic process.”
The outgoing Southend Youth Mayor, Zeeshan Mitha, said: “We have three extremely strong candidates for the role of the 2013/2014 Southend Youth Mayor and Deputy, so it will be a close contest.
“This is why it is so important for everyone who is eligible to cast a vote to make sure they do so. It has been such an exciting honour to serve as Southend Youth Mayor.”
Young people can vote at school or home from Saturday in the following ways:
By visiting http://www.southend-connexions.co.uk/youth-mayor-election-2013/ and following the links
By texting the name of the chosen candidate - Kavi, Chris or Megan - to 82055. Texts will be charged at the rate of one standard text message and there will only be the chance to vote once.
By voting online at the special election desk situated on the ground floor of the Victoria Shopping Centre on Saturday from 11am until 3pm.
In the meantime any young people interested in joining Southend Youth Council are welcome to attend meetings, which are held from 5pm to 7pm on the first Wednesday of every month at the Civic Centre.
