Commenting ahead of the final debate on the Local Government and Elections Bill, Welsh Liberal Democrats have reaffirmed their support for the bill and its contents which include allowing local councils to switch from First Past the Post (FPTP) to the Single Transferable Vote (STV) and lowering the voting age to 16.
Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said:
“Liberal Democrats have long called for a truly democratic voting system which delivers maximum and equal power to the voter and gives the people of Wales representative council chambers that reflects the way they vote.
“STV is a such a simple system, it is used in countless parliaments around the world as well as by sports clubs and societies to elect chairs and captains due to its simplicity and fairness.
“I strongly believe that the time has come for STV and this will make elections simpler and fairer.”
Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for political and constitutional reform and Ceredigion candidate Cadan ap Tomos added:
“Extending the voting franchise to include 16 and 17 year olds is not only logical but fair. From next year 16 and 17 year olds, in addition to paying taxes, will be able to vote in Senedd elections. It’s only right that this is extended to cover council elections too.
“Welsh Liberal Democrats have long supported these proposals. It’s now time for our Senedd to back them, to strengthen our democracy.”
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