Young people across Devon are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Make Your Mark vote and help shape the issues that matter most to them.
Run by the Devon Youth Council, Make Your Mark gives young people aged 11 to 18, and up to 25 for those with protected characteristics, the opportunity to vote on the topic they believe deserves the most attention over the next two years.
The winning issue will become the Devon Youth Council’s main campaign priority. Youth councillors will work with decision-makers to research the topic, share young people’s views, and help develop actions that can bring about positive change.
The vote is one of the most important ways for young people to influence local services and policies. Previous Make Your Mark results have been used to provide evidence for improvements across Devon and have helped ensure that young people’s voices are heard by organisations and elected representatives.
Councillor Richard Jefferies, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:
“Make Your Mark gives young people a genuine opportunity to influence the issues that affect their lives and communities. The views shared through this vote help inform conversations with decision-makers and provide valuable insight into the priorities of young people across Devon.
“I would encourage every eligible young person to take part and make sure their voice is heard.”
How to take part
Several schools, colleges, and youth groups already have plans to run the vote this month. But if your school or youth group is not signed up, or if you aren’t in a school or youth group, you can still vote online here.
The vote opened on 2 November and will close at midnight on 30 November, with the results due to be announced by the Devon Youth Council on 12 December.
If you are an organisation working with young people and would like to facilitate Make Your Mark with your group, please email participation@devon.gov.uk for a complete resource pack, including a Widgit version of our ballot paper.
For more information, visit our Make Your Mark page.