HAMPTON — In an effort to get school-age children excited about local politics, the Hampton Youth Commission is hosting a candidate forum.
It will take place from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on April 23 at the Ruppert Sargent Building, 1 Franklin St.
“It’s youth led, youth organized and will have a youth voice,” said Tolu Ibikunle, one of the organizers of the event.
There are eight City Council candidates and four School Board candidates on the ballot for the general election on May 1.
Ibikunle said the event is geared toward high school-age children, adding that despite the possibility some of the children in attendance won’t be able to vote in May’s election, she still wants students to come and have their voices heard.
“What we’re trying to get out of this is instilling in children that they have a voice and we want them to feel empowered about what’s going in their communities,” Ibikunle said.
The event is free and open to the public. Ibikunle said during the forum, only questions from school-age children will be taken but before and after all attendees are encouraged to speak with the candidates.
Ibikunle said she hopes this serves as a preview for the younger students on the importance of getting involved in elections.
Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on May 1. Anyone in line at 7 p.m. will still be allowed to vote. For voter information, click here.
