Getting young people involved in democracy

Getting young people involved in democracy

Conwy County Borough Council is asking people to pick the design of a birthday card which will be sent to young people to encourage them to vote and take part in democracy.

The Council contacts young people when they reach certain milestones; at 14, 16 and 18 years old, to remind them that they can begin to get involved in the democratic process by registering to vote. This means that they can then be ready and aware that they can cast their vote in Senedd and local elections from 16 years old. It’s actually a legal requirement to register to vote.

Now, with thanks to grant funding, Conwy can encourage young people within the county to engage with the democratic process, as they will receive the birthday cards as a prompt for them to register and raise awareness of their rights. The Council is asking the public to choose the design of the cards. Everyone who takes part will be entered into a draw for a pair of tickets for the N-Dubz concert on 22 July 2023 in Stadium CSM, Colwyn Bay. The draw for tickets will take place on 30 June 2023.

Cllr Chris Cater, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Democracy and Governance said, “These cards highlight the legal age limit for some voting activities. Reaching the age to be able to register to vote and get involved in democracy is an important milestone in a young person’s life.  And by getting young people engaged at an early age we will increase their interest in local and national politics and be supporting our politicians of the future”.

“At national and at local level, the people who make decisions about local communities are elected because people vote for them. You must register to vote to be able to use your vote to have your say on who you want to represent you.”

Being on the electoral register can also be important as a pre-requisite for lots of things, like, building a credit score, applying for loans or a mortgage and even getting a mobile phone contract.

For more information, visit the About Young People and Democracy section on the Council website: About young people and democracy - Conwy County Borough Council