Teens keen on casting their vote in county

MORE 16 and 17-year-olds in Carmarthenshire have registered to vote in the local elections in the past few weeks than in any other part of Wales.

Figures released by the Electoral Commission Wales show that in the weeks leading up to the April 14 voter registration deadline, more than 400 young people aged 16 and 17 registered to have a vote in the upcoming May 5 elections.

It means they will be able to vote for the candidates they wish to represent their local area in the Carmarthenshire Council and town and community councils over the next five years.

These are the first local elections where 16 and 17-year-olds are eligible to vote following a change in legislation in Wales.

Carmarthenshire Council has been engaging with young people in recent weeks to explain why it is important that they use their right to vote, and to encourage them to register.

Sessions have been undertaken in local secondary schools featuring a video with sixth form students telling their peers why they feel exercising their democratic rights is important.

One of those speaking to young people in the county was a former pupil of Carmarthen’s Ysgol Bro Myrddin.

Cai Phillips, was a member of the first Wales Youth Parliament formed in 2018, representing Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.

He said: “If young people don’t turn out to vote, politicians won’t see young people as important and they won’t form policies that will affect them.

“Politicians form policies for voters, if you turn out to vote as a young person you will be able to influence policies, as politicians will want to influence you to vote for them.” Those that have registered to vote are now being encouraged to use their vote on May 5.

The deadline to apply for a proxy vote was 5pm on Tuesday, April 26, however emergency applications will be considered up until 5pm on May 5.

For further information about the elections, including details of candidates standing and advice about how to vote, visit www. carmarthenshire.gov.wales/elections