Campaign launched encouraging new voters to Wales to “make their voices heard” in Senedd election

A campaign encouraging new voters in Wales to make their voices heard in upcoming elections, has launched.

In January the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act received Royal Assent– extending the vote in Senedd elections to 16 and 17 year olds and qualifying foreign nationals living in Wales.

The first election these will groups will be able to take part in are the Senedd elections planned for May 2021.

Residents across Wales are now being urged to make sure they are registered to vote ahead of the election.

The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James, said: “True democracy means everyone getting involved and having a say. Using your vote is one of the ways you can make your voice heard.

“The upcoming Senedd elections represent an exciting opportunity for new 16 and 17 year old voters and qualifying foreign nationals to use their vote for the first time to shape public services in Wales, and to create a Wales which fits the needs of future generations.

“It’s also the perfect chance for those who don’t usually use their vote to have their say and shape genuine democratic renewal in Wales.

“By taking part in these and future elections, your voice and opinions will help shape growth and positive change in Wales.

“Our Welsh Government ambition of building a more equal Wales, representing the needs of all citizens and all communities in Wales, depends on the voices of all ages, all community groups and all regions of Welsh society being heard. By getting involved, you can influence decisions affecting your local area and Wales as a whole.

“I look forward to hearing your views and your voices in the landmark forthcoming elections.”

You can make sure you are registered to vote via gov.uk/register-to-vote, and you can also apply for a postal vote via this form / process – and Wrexham Council have told us they are accepting scanned copies.

Some third parties may suggest using their forms to register to vote, or register for postal votes, but check carefully what you are opting into via that process – with Wrexham Council saying “Applications for postal votes should only be returned to Electoral Services, The Guildhall, Wrexham, LL11 1AY. They should not be returned to any other address.”