Richanne backs teen voting campaign
A CARMARTHENSHIRE school pupil is backing a national campaign encouraging 16 and 17 year olds to have their say and register to vote in next month’s local elections.
For those aged 16 and 17 this will be their first opportunity to vote in local elections following the Welsh Government lowering the voting age, but they must register before the deadline of midnight on Thursday, April 14. Richanne Davies, 17, from Ammanford, is a pupil at Ysgol Bro Dinefwr in Llandeilo and is passionate about advocating for voting among young people in Wales. She said: “There is a perception that it is only older people that are interested in the democratic process but I know that people my age want to help make a difference so that our generation are also represented.
“I would like to encourage anyone to get involved in helping make their local communities better places to live, so register to vote and use your vote to make a difference.”
Schools and libraries across the country are getting involved by setting up bespoke registration points with staff on hand to guide anyone through the simple registration process.
At Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, they feel it is important to encourage the students to be part of the democratic process, as teacher Owen Rhys explained: “It is becoming more and more important that young people feel they can play an active part in the community.
“We feel it is our role to ensure they have the appropriate skills and knowledge to be able to participate in the process.
“At the local elections, matters are discussed that impact on their daily lives and we aim to impress on them the importance of voting and how easy it is to register to do so. “On a positive note, many of the young people are very engaged in the democratic process and play a key role in influencing their peers.”
The local elections will be held on Thursday, May 5. To register to vote visit www.gov.uk/ register-to-vote.
... I know that people my age want to help make a difference so that our generation are also represented
Richanne Davies