YOUNG people are being encouraged to take a bigger interest in local politics and voting, thanks to a project devised by a potential future deputy.

Lee Van Katwyk, 23 (pictured), who stood in the 2008 Vale elections and is preparing to run for deputy again in April, has created ‘Project Youth: 2012’ with the aim of engaging the island’s youth in the elections and politics in general.

He was inspired to try and involve more people in politics after travelling in Southeast Asia.

‘Over there, the countries’ governments are pretty appalling and a lot of people don’t have enough of a say,’ he said. ‘It got me thinking about our government – everyone has the opportunity to vote, but there aren’t enough people interested.