Out and about with the Youth Voice Network for Scotland

The Youth Voice Network for Scotland is a group delivered by Children in Scotland on behalf of the Electoral Commission. The group are aged 12-18 and are working to increase knowledge and understanding of democracy and politics among young people.

The group identified the needs and views of young people based in remote and rural as a particular priority so have been organising additional sessions to take place in schools in different parts of Scotland, working directly with pupils ahead of this year’s Scottish Parliament election. These sessions are being delivered by staff and members of the group. Network member Gia has reflected on her experience of delivering a session in a school in the Scottish Borders.

Gia’s experience

Last November I had the chance to visit a high school in the Borders as part of Children in Scotland’s Youth Voice Network to deliver a session on voting and democracy. After an early start from Edinburgh Waverley, we arrived at Berwickshire High School where we spoke with around 40 young people aged 15-18. There were several interactive activities, including one that involved building a giant Lego wall, onto which we stuck post-it notes so that we could capture the barriers young people faced when voting. I thought this was a really interesting way to get young people talking about the challenges they faced, and the information was then fed back to the Electoral Commission.

Some of the barriers were more unexpected – for example, people mentioned how limited transport made it difficult voting in person. This made me realise how easily young people could be excluded, even from issues they care deeply about, and how important proper representation is when it comes to decision making. Being able to speak with other young people firsthand was really rewarding and everyone was super passionate and engaged! Overall, the visit was an amazing experience and I’d definitely sign up to deliver another session – and I’d encourage others to do the same.

Welcome to your Vote Week 2026 will run 9-15 March. The Electoral Commission invites schools, youth groups, and local elections teams to join us in celebrating democracy by running activities that help young people understand how it works and how to get involved.   

If your school is based in a remote or rural part of Scotland and you would like us to deliver a session with pupils, please contact Parisa Shrazi:

pshirazi@childreninscotland.org.uk