AM WELCOMES VOTES FOR 16 & 17 YEAR OLDS

Mick Antoniw has welcomed the Welsh Government’s proposal to introduce voting in local government elections for 16 and 17 year olds.  The Welsh Government also wants councils to pilot innovative new voting methods, which reflect people’s busy lives. These could include remote digital voting, mobile polling stations and voting at places like supermarkets, local libraries, leisure

Welcoming the proposals, Mick Antoniw, Assembly Member for Pontypridd said:

“These proposals are about engaging people in the political process, especially younger voters. We know that voting is a habit and that amongst those that vote the habit sticks, unfortunately this is also the case for people that don’t vote.”

“I know from the sessions that I’ve held at local schools, that 16 and 17 year olds are extremely interested in voting and the vast majority support this change. A key issue for the students was the need for more political education and this is something that I’ll be highlighting to Ministers.

“I am also excited about exploring new ways of voting. Just because we have voted in a certain way in the past, doesn’t mean that is the only way. People’s lives and lifestyles are varied and it should be as easy as possible for them to vote, as long as the way we vote is completely secure.”