Youngsters of 16 and 17 can register now for Senedd election vote

SIXTEEN- and 17-year-olds in Wales can now register to vote in the next Senedd elections taking place in 2021.

The change in voting laws, approved in the autumn, is one of the biggest changes to the democratic process in Wales in half a century.

Poppy Stowell-Evans, 15, of Newport Youth Council, gave her perspective on how the move could allow a generation to be involved in decisions which will shape their future for the first time – and also some of the concerns of some young people.

“Sixteen- and 17-year-olds having a vote could change the tone of politics in Wales forever,” she said.

“It could bring a refreshed and new mindset to politics in Wales and mean our leaders truly represent the opinions and beliefs of a large proportion of Wales.

“This could be quite revolutionary.

“A lot of my peers consider this to be very long overdue because young people in Wales and across the world have been becoming more politically aware and more eager to see change.

“A key example of this is the Strike for Climate Change, which demonstrates passion and conviction for change and hope to influence our leaders.

“Some of my other peers feel very liberated by this and feel like they can finally have a say.”

But she said there are also some young people who are concerned and “don’t feel ready to vote”.

“I can relate to all of these thoughts,” Poppy added.

“I think that voting at 16 will be a liberating experience and a chance to have my say on history and influence decisions that count.

“However, I also feel that education will be key in ensuring that 16- and 17-year-olds feel prepared, engaged and confident to vote.

“I hope that the Welsh Government and schools across Wales use this as an opportunity to provide unbiased political education which will allow

16- and 17-year-olds to feel confident to vote and therefore change Wales.”

The change was introduced in the Senedd and Election (Wales) Act 2020 and is the largest extension of voting rights in Wales since 1969.

Labour and Plaid Cymru backed the bill but the Conservatives and Brexit Party were against it.

It means more young people in Wales will now have a say in devolved issues such as health, education and the economy.

Register to vote online at gov.uk/ register-to-vote.