Students from Batley Girls' High School help shape local democracy during Welcome to Your Vote Week
Kirklees schools gathered to celebrate Welcome to Your Vote Week 2026 in a special event designed by members of Kirklees Youth Council.
As part of the national initiative, youth councillors from five high schools – Batley Girls’ High School, King James’s School, Manor Croft Academy, Newsome Academy and Salendine Nook High School Academy – taking part in Kirklees Council’s Democracy Friendly Schools programme met at Huddersfield Town Hall for a day of discussion, idea sharing and action.
The event gave young people the chance to explore how they can help their peers learn about local democracy, elections and registering to vote – and how they can play a meaningful role in shaping their local area.
Welcome to Your Vote Week is an annual initiative created by the Electoral Commission to help young people feel confident taking part in democratic processes.
It encourages conversations about voting, decision-making and active citizenship, giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to get involved where they live.
Throughout the day, young people took part in interactive workshops exploring:
How the Democracy Friendly Schools programme could strengthen relationships between young people and local decision-makers.
How youth councillors could help build stronger connections with councillors, cabinet members and other leaders.
How young people could support their peers to learn about voting and registering to vote in ways that feel accessible and relevant.
Members of the Kirklees Council Executive Board joined the event too, giving young people the opportunity to share their views directly with senior decision-makers.