If you’re aged 11 to 18 and live, work, or go to school in Kent, you can stand for election to the Kent Youth County Council (KYCC)—a group of young people elected to represent your views and those of your peers.
Each of Kent’s 12 districts elects 4 members, plus 12 community seats, making sure KYCC represents all communities in Kent.
Every year, KYCC members vote on 3 key issues to campaign on. For 2025, the campaigns are:
- Free School Meals and Tackling Poverty (4,085 votes)
- Public Transport (3,269 votes)
- Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing (2,764 votes)
If elected, as well as working on the year’s campaigns, you’ll also have the chance to take part in project groups. In 2025, members chose to focus on:
- Feeling Safe in Kent
- Opportunities for Young People
- Tackling Discrimination
- Life Skills / Learning to Be Independent
“I enjoy working with others and making sure we are going to make a difference.” – A KYCC member on what they most enjoy about KYCC.
Young people meet monthly on Saturdays at County Hall in Maidstone to work on campaigns and projects. Train tickets and travel expenses will be reimbursed, and lunch, snacks, and drinks are provided.
“Making a difference in Kent alongside other amazing young people and having fun with friends!” – A member on what KYCC means to them.
Want to stand for election?
The 2025 elections run from 10 to 23 November. To register as a candidate, make sure you:
- Are aged 11–18
- Live, work, or go to school within Kent County Council’s boundaries
- Complete the candidate registration form by midnight on Sunday 12 October
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“It is a great opportunity to meet new people and experience new challenges and opportunities.” – A KYCC member on why you should join.
Sign up to be a candidate here.
UK Youth Parliament
As a KYCC member, you could be elected as one of Kent’s 8 Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) and represent Kent nationally.
As an MYP, you’ll:
- Represent your community on the national political stage
- Speak to decision-makers
- Raise awareness of the issues that matter to you
You’ll get the chance to attend the UK Youth Parliament Annual Sitting in the House of Commons, where young people from across the UK debate and vote on policy.
In 2024, MYPs voted to campaign on:
- Lowering the Voting Age to 16
- Period Dignity
MYPs also attend an annual conference to discuss the most pressing issues affecting young people. These discussions contribute to the creation of the new UK Youth Parliament Manifesto and influence national policy.
“The chance to be in UKYP and actually debate in the House of Commons was really cool.” – A KYCC member on their experience as an MYP.