SYP ELECTIONS 2026
For over 25 years, Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) have raised the voices of Scotland’s young people, to make Scotland a better place for young people to grow up. MSYPs represent their peers, campaign for change, and hold decision-makers to account, and you can be part of it!
BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE SCOTTISH YOUTH PARLIAMENT (MSYP) IS AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO REPRESENT SCOTLAND’S YOUNG PEOPLE AND MAKE SURE THEIR VOICES ARE HEARD WHERE DECISIONS ARE MADE.
By taking part in the SYP elections, you will:
- Get training to help you develop skills for life.
- Access local and national opportunities to have your voice heard.
- Feel confident and empowered to take action.
- Be supported by local youth workers.
- Meet new people and make new friends.
If you’re elected, you will:
- Represent the young people in your constituency or national voluntary organisation.
- Find out what young people in your area or organisation think about lots of different issues.
- Talk to local and national decision-makers about issues the young people you represent care about.
- Continue to develop your skills, confidence, and experiences to help you become the best version of yourself.
- Meet new people and make friends across Scotland.
HOW DO I APPLY TO STAND AS A CANDIDATE?
If you will be between 14 and 25 on 15th November2026, you can stand for election as a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) in two ways:
- As one of two MSYPs in your local constituency – SYP constituencies are the same as the Scottish Parliament constituencies.
- Through a number of voluntary organisations which have representative MSYPs.
The SYP Elections are coordinated by an Election Coordinator in each local authority and voluntary organisation. They’ll be taking applications at different times between April and September 2026. To find out if your local authority or voluntary organisation is currently accepting applications, simply click the button below and follow the instructions on that page.
If you have any issues during the application process, please contact elections@syp.org.uk.
TIMELINE
Every two years, around 160 members of the Scottish Youth Parliament – MSYPs – aged 14 – 25 are elected to represent young people in every part of Scotland and to campaign for positive change.
- April to September 2026 – Applications: Local authorities and voluntary organisations will be accepting applications at different times during this period. To find out if you can apply to stand in your area or organisation, visit the SYP elections website here. After you apply, you’ll receive a link to complete a short online training and we’ll put you in touch with your local election coordinator who will support you to develop your skills and knowledge and to run an election campaign.
- May to November 2026 – Candidate experience:You’ll have lots of opportunities through the summer to develop skills, create your election campaign plans, and meet young people from across Scotland.
- October 2026 – Campaigning: You will campaign in your local area or voluntary organisation to encourage young people to vote.
- 2nd November – 15thNovember 2026 – Voting: Young people across Scotland will vote to elect the MSYPs who will represent them for the next two years.
- Results will be announced from Monday 16thNovember 2026, and the new SYP membership will begin.
- December 2026 to February 2027 – MSYP induction and training – all MSYPs will take part in an induction programme to help develop your skills and prepare you to get started in your new role.
FAQS
MSYPs are elected to represent young people in every community in Scotland. This includes:
Taking part in youth voice and participation activities in their area or organisation, like the local youth forum or youth council – your Election Coordinator will be able to tell you more about this.
Consulting young people in the area or organisation they represent to find out about the issues they care about. Consulting lots of different people helps MSYPs to understand a range of different views and experiences.
Meeting with local decision-makers, like Councillors and Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), to share the views of the young people MSYPs represent.
Campaigning for change and taking part in local and national events, like SYP Sittings and online workshops.
Attending training and meetings to develop their confidence, skills and experiences.
Meeting young people across Scotland and making new friends.
To be a candidate in the SYP elections, you must:
Be aged between 14 and 25 on the day voting closes (Sunday 15th November 2026).
Live, work, or study in the constituency, or be a member of the national voluntary organisation you want to stand for.
In line with the Scottish Youth Parliament’s rules relating to political impartiality, candidates do not represent a political party, a political campaign, or a campaign in a referendum.
The Scottish Youth Parliament runs a central application system through a secure online platform. Young people must apply by completing an application form on the SYP Elections Platform at elections.syp.org.uk.
By applying to stand in the SYP Elections, you must agree to follow the Candidate Code of Conduct, which is available here.
The application form is a simple form which asks for your contact details, emergency contact details, and some other information about you. You will also be asked to complete a more detailed demographics survey, which is optional.
After you’ve submitted your application form, you’ll be asked to take part in an online training to help you find out more about SYP and what being an MSYP means. Your details will also be sent to the Election Coordinator for the area or organisation you’ve applied to stand in. They’ll get in touch with you to let you know more about the process in your area or organisation.
Some local authorities and national voluntary organisations haven’t started accepting applications yet, but keep an eye on the elections platform at elections.syp.org.uk, and check back in the summer. We’ll add a list of dates for each local authority and voluntary organisation to this page soon.
ARE YOU AN ADULT SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE?
If you work or live with children and young people, your support is crucial. You can find out more about how to support young people to take part in the SYP Elections by clicking on these links:
SYP’S CAMPAIGNS AND PROJECTS
Since SYP was established in 1999 (in fact, we are one day older than the Scottish Parliament), MSYPs have played a key role in advocating for young people’s rights and influencing decision-makers across Scotland. Over the years, their work has contributed to lots of important national conversations and policy developments. Some key moments include:
