Votes at 16 for Senedd Elections

Local Welsh Labour politicians Eluned and Joyce are encouraging 16 and 17 year old residents across mid and west Wales to ensure that their voice is heard at the next Senedd elections by registering to vote.

From Monday (1 June), 16 and 17 year olds can register to vote in the Senedd Elections that take place in 2021. This change is among some of the biggest to the democratic process in Wales in half a century.

The change was introduced in the Senedd and Election (Wales) Act 2020 and it will make it easier for young people to see, influence and get involved with the work of those who represent them, giving them a voice in the decisions that will define their future.

This is the largest franchise extension in Wales in fifty years.  The voting age was last lowered in 1969, in the Representation of the People Act, which saw the voting age lowered from 21 to 18.

Encouraging young people to ensure their voice is heard, Eluned Morgan MS, said:

“I am proud that young people will now have a stake in our democracy here in Wales.  I think it is a really important step forward for our nation.  For the first time thanks to a Labour Welsh Government, 16 and 17 year olds will have influence in choosing the Members who will represent them in the next Senedd.

Joyce Watson MS said:

“Registering to vote is easy and it will ensure you have a say over the decisions that affect you now and that can shape your future.  Contact your local council or do it online, simply visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

 “I am confident this change will bring new energy to our democratic process.”