The Welsh Liberal Democrats have welcomed the fact votes at 16 in Wales has moved one step closer to becoming a reality and urged all parties in Wales to support the necessary legislation in the coming months and years.

The National Assembly for Wales voted to give consent to the Assembly Commission to introduce a Bill that would reduce the voting age for Assembly elections to 16 from 2021, amongst other changes.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Electoral Reform Baroness Jenny Randerson commented:

We’ve long campaigned for the voting age to be reduced to 16. We wholeheartedly welcome this decision which takes us a step closer to achieving this goal for Assembly elections. We urge AMs to pass the legislation necessary to make votes at 16 a reality.

Lowering the voting age to 16 would improve engagement in politics and all the evidence suggests that where 16-year olds are given the vote they approach their choice with enthusiasm and work hard to research the issues involved.

At this time of great of great political upheaval it’s vital we give our young people the say over their future they’ve been unjustly deprived of for so long.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds added:

I’m pleased Wales has taken the opportunity to do things differently. I urge the UK Parliament to follow the Assembly’s lead and introduce votes at 16 for General Elections as well.