Youth Council election has begun
The Local Government Act guarantees young people an opportunity to exert influence over the affairs of their municipality of residence. A new Youth Council is elected for Helsinki this autumn. Helsinki residents born between 2008 and 2012 can stand as candidates. The Youth Council influences the City’s operations and presents young people’s perspectives on matters being decided on.
A new Youth Council is elected for Helsinki in this autumn’s election. The deadline for registering as a candidate in the Youth Council is 21 September. The voting period is from 3 to 28 November, and the results of the election will be announced on 5 December at the Youth Gala held at Tiivistämö in Suvilahti.
This autumn’s Youth Council election concerns a total of almost 32,000 Helsinki residents. All Helsinki residents born between 2008 and 2012 can stand as candidates and are entitled to vote. Registering as a candidate is easy – you can do it online. The voting process is digital, and young people can vote at schools or at a voting point in Oodi. 30 representatives will be elected for the new Youth Council for the 2026–2027 term.
It is up to the Youth Council to decide what it wants to promote and how. The activities of the Youth Council are diverse. In addition to general meetings, the young people will meet with the City’s decision-makers, mayors and committee members, and participate in projects. It is important that young people have discussions with decision-makers when decisions are being made regarding matters related to young people’s lives, such as mental health services or places for leisure time activities.
Enquiries: Mira Honkaniemi
Participatory Activity Coordinator
City of Helsinki
Telephone: +358 40 645 3862
Email: mira.honkaniemi@hel.fi