Dear Leaders,
Voting is a democratic right for everyone aged over 16 in Wales and, for some young people next year’s Senedd election will be the first time they’ve been able to exercise this right. For democracy to work effectively in this country, we need to make sure young people are well-informed and are actively encouraged to participate. We want to do everything possible to increase political participation by removing some obvious barriers.
Just 43% of eligible 16–17-year-olds in Wales are currently registered to vote. We know that many Welsh citizens, including young people, do not have a sound understanding of Welsh democracy and in a recent poll by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner for Wales of over 800 children and young people in Wales, we heard that 55% of under 16s had never been to a polling station (41% of 16+ had never been to a polling station) and 92% of under 16s did not recognise the First Minister for Wales (85% of 16+ had never heard of the First Minister). In that poll, they’ve asked political parties to provide information about what you stand for, and what difference you’ll make to their lives – using simple language and engaging content.
As advocates for children’s rights and democracy in Wales, our joint asks are simple:
- we want all political parties to communicate their manifesto promises to young people in a way that is engaging, easy to understand, and relevant to them;
- we want the contents from your party manifestos to be shared where young people are likely to read and learn about it (for example, via relevant social media accounts and channels); and
- we would like you to be open to Hustings or Q&A type events, that will directly engage with younger and first-time voters.
- Further analysis of this latest poll from the Commissioner’s office can be found here, including advice from children and young people about what they would expect from a manifesto and where they would go to read / access that information.
With thanks,
Rocio Cifuentes MBE
Children’s Commissioner for Wales, supported by:
The Electoral Commission, Wales
Children in Wales, the national umbrella body for organisations and individuals who work with children, young people and their families in Wales