RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A high school senior has announced plans to run for mayor of Raleigh, even though he can't be elected.

Sixteen-year-old Seth Keel sent letters declaring his candidacy Monday to local media, saying his goal is to maintain socio-economic diversity in Wake County schools.

North Carolina law requires public elected officials to be at least 21 years old. The teen says the law won't dampen his campaign.

Keel was among a group of six protesters arrested last August during a meeting of the Wake County Board of Education.

He says he wants to run because the mayor can be a vital force in the debate over new student assignment policies now under deliberation in Wake County.