03/28/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

Welsh Liberal Democrats welcome votes for 16-year-olds

THE Welsh Liberal Democrats have welcomed the passing of the Senedd and Elections Bill. The Bill gives 16 and 17-year-olds in Wales the vote in Senedd Elections.

This will add 70,000 people to the franchise in Wales, the largest increase for 50 years. This is alongside the 33,000 foreign nationals who will be given the right to vote in Senedd elections due to the bill.

The bill also establishes the twin names of Senedd Cymru and Welsh Parliament for the National Assembly for Wales and gives AMs the new name of Members of the Senedd.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Party President William Powell, commented:

“We welcome the passing of this bill and in particular the introduction of votes for 16 and 17-year-olds for Senedd elections.

“This important step will ensure the voices of young people are heard within Welsh politics and help us create a better Welsh democracy.

“The consequences of marginalising the views of young people are clear for all to see. Young people have had to watch older generations restrict their opportunities through Brexit and fail to take appropriate action to tackle the climate emergency. Without a vote, young people have been powerless to change this or help create the society they want to see.

“This will be a vital first step in giving young people a real voice within our politics. We will continue to campaign for votes for 16 and 17-year-olds in general elections across the UK.”

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