Your Voice, Your Vote

About

Wha gwaan Jamaican youth!? 🇯🇲 Did you know that decisions made by politicians today shape the future you’ll live in tomorrow? Whether it’s about education, jobs, climate change, or safety, your voice matters. This guide is here to help you understand how elections work, why your participation is powerful, and how you can speak up for the rights of every child and young person.

Why Should Young People Care About Elections?

Even if you’re not old enough to vote, you can still influence the conversation. Politicians listen to what matters to voters, and that includes your parents, teachers, and community leaders. When you speak up, they hear you.

Here’s what’s at stake:

• Education: Better schools, trained teachers, and fair access for all.
• Safety: Ending violence against children, including corporal punishment.
• Jobs: More training and employment opportunities for youth.
• Health: Access to nutritious food and adolescent-friendly health services.
• Climate: Clean water, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience.

How Elections Work in Jamaica

• Jamaica holds general elections every 5 years.
• Citizens vote for Members of Parliament (MPs) who represent their constituencies.
• The party with the most MPs forms the government, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister.
• Political parties release manifestos—documents that outline their plans if elected.

What Should Politicians Act On?

Here are UNICEF Jamaica’s key asks for political leaders:

• Ban corporal punishment in all settings
• Invest more in early childhood education
• Expand youth training and job placement
• Improve access to adolescent health services
• Make water systems climate-resilient
• Expand social protection for children with disabilities

What are some other areas you think politicians should focus on?

What Can YOU Do?

Even if you’re under 18, you can still make a difference:

✅ Speak Up: Share your views on social media using #VoteForEveryChild
✅ Become a Child Rights Advocate: Advocate for child rights in your community
✅ Attend Youth Forums: Participate in debates and discussions
✅ Create Content: Write blogs, poems, or videos about what matters to you
✅ Talk to Adults: Encourage your family and friends to vote with children in mind

If you’re 18 and over and registered to vote, you could do all of the above and exercise your right and vote on election day. Your vote could make a difference.

Your Voice Matters

Change starts with you. No matter your age, whether you are under 18 or over, your ideas, your energy, and your passion can shape Jamaica’s future. Let’s make sure every child and young person is seen, heard, and protected.

Download using the link above to see UNICEF Jamaica’s key asks for political leaders, the clear priorities on education, safety, jobs, health and climate that put children and young people at the heart of Jamaica’s future.