Moves to lower voting age to 16 in National Assembly elections backed by a majority of AMs

Plans to enable 16 and 17 years old in Wales to vote in future National Assembly elections have taken a step forward.

Last Wednesday Wrexham’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths and a majority of AMs voted in favour of supporting the lowering of the voting age to 16.

The franchise will be extended in time for the next election to the Senedd in 2021.

Historically voter turnout in National Assembly elections is comparably lower than that of a general election.

In May 2016 Wrexham saw a voter turnout of 40 per cent – which was up slightly on the 36.2 per cent way back in 2011. Up the road in Clwyd South turnout increased to 41 per cent from 36.9 per cent in 2011.

It is hoped that lowering the voting age will help “engage young people in particular in the democratic process”.

Speaking after the vote, Ms Griffiths said: “Welsh Labour has been campaigning on this issue for a long time so I am pleased 16 and 17 year olds in Wrexham across Wales will now be able to have their say on who represents them in the Senedd.

“Education is key and additional details will have to be determined but I believe it is important young people’s voices are heard.”

Although the passage of the bill through the Assembly is not at its final stage, the vote last week was a key part of the process.

Ms Griffiths also voted along with other Assembly Members to allow foreign nationals legally residing in Wales the vote in Assembly elections.