Cast your votes for the new Youth Mayor

Don't miss your chance to vote for the 2011/2012 Southend Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor.

The candidates will start campaigning this Saturday 15th January in Southend High Street from 10am till 4pm, and votes can be cast right up until Wednesday 26th January.

At the Southend Youth Council meeting on Wednesday 2nd February, the winner will be announced by the Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Councillor Ann Holland.

Everyone in the borough aged between 13 and 19 is invited to attend this meeting from 5pm till 7pm at Southend Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue , Southend.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, Councillor Roger Hadley says: "We are extremely proud of our Youth Council in Southend, which gives young people a crucial voice in the town.

"The roles of Southend Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor are very prestigious and carry important responsibilities.

"Last year we opened up the ballot to ensure that as many young people as possible could have the opportunity to vote. They jumped at the chance, and a total of 4,526 young people voted - 38.2 per cent of the borough's 13 to 19 year olds. 

"We hope that this year they will be able to add to their already terrific level of enthusiasm."

Voting is open to all young people in Southend aged 13 to 19 and can be undertaken in two ways:

• Via ballot boxes in selected schools and Connexions Youth Centres
• Or email the name of the candidate, along with the name and date of birth of the person casting the vote - to youthmayor@southend.gov.uk