Information for the Bristol Youth Elections 2026, how to stand as a candidate, and how to register your school or youth organisation as a polling station.

In January 2026 young people in schools, colleges and youth centres across Bristol will be voting in the members of Bristol City Youth Council for a 2 year term of office.

How the vote works

For the youth vote Bristol is divided into 3 areas:

  • North
  • South
  • East Central

Each area will vote and elect their Bristol City Youth Council (BCYC) representatives.

How long is the term office

The representive will be elected across the city for a 2 year term of office.

The role of the elected representatives

The representatives that are voted in will represent views and opinions of young people of Bristol.

This to make sure that the views of young people are heard by adult decision makers, and influence policy decisions they make.

Voting period

The voting period for the elections will be from Monday 19 January to Friday 30 January 2026.

Read our  pdf guidance booklet(182 KB)  on how to run the election in your school, collellege, or youth origination. 

You can also download and use our  pdf Bristol Youth Vote poster(6.48 MB)

Candidate manifestos

Candidate videos

View the youth election candidate videos below.