Plaid Cymru Shadow Education Minister and Member of the Senedd for Arfon, Siân Gwenllian has urged 16 and 17 year olds to register to vote ahead of next year’s planned Senedd elections.
The change was introduced in the Senedd and Election (Wales) Act 2020 and is the largest extension of voting rights in Wales since 1969.
The voting age was last lowered in 1969, in the Representation of the People Act, which saw it lowered from 21 to 18. The new change means more young people in Wales will now have a say in devolved issues such as health, education and the economy.
Next year’s Senedd elections will be the first in which 16 and 17 year olds are allowed to vote in Wales.
Siân Gwenllian MS, who is also Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Education Minister said: “This week alone, young people have shown more leadership than their own government in fighting for justice following the A-level results farce.
“Young people have been at the forefront of the fight against climate change, and the call for change and a more inclusive education in light of the Black Lives Matter campaign.
“Young people are Wales’ future, and they know what’s best for the country. It’s important that their voices are heard in next year’s Senedd elections.
“16 and 17 years olds have already been granted the same right to vote in the Holyrood and local elections in Scotland, which has led to increased political awareness and participation in Scotland.”
16 and 17 year olds in Arfon and across Wales can register to vote on the UK Government’s website by following this link.
Brengain Glyn, Member of the Welsh Youth Parliament for Arfon and a pupil at Ysgol Tryfan, Bangor, has supported Siân Gwenllian’s call. She said: “It is vital that the young people of Arfon take advantage of the change in the law to cast their vote to secure the future they believe in.
“Only by voting we will be heard!”
