A national campaign to encourage 16-17yr olds and qualifying foreign nationals to register to vote in the upcoming May 2022 local elections has been launched to ensure that all eligible voters embrace the opportunity to have their say and to make a difference, on both a local and national level.
The campaign is aimed at inspiring and motivating 16-17 yr olds in Wales and qualifying foreign nationals specifically to register by the 14th of April and turnout to vote on the 5th of May.
With the need to ensure that the voices of Wales’s young people are heard, Welsh Government research identified that those new to voting face social and logistical barriers which this campaign aims to tackle head on to ensure positive registration and turnout numbers for 2022.
Counsel General and Minister for the Constitution, Mick Antoniw MS, said,
“This is an incredibly important campaign, launching at a time where there is much focus on politics, it’s vital that we engage all of our new voters and break down any barriers so that they know how important their voice is and how much of a difference it will make.
“We have a generation of new voters who should be able to exercise their right and take the opportunity to make a difference this year and for years to come. This is a generation of climate conscious, socially aware individuals concerned with their futures and careers; these are the voices that can certainly make a difference this May.
“We want to ensure that all eligible groups understand that their votes can make a difference and how they can have a say in issues that affect them as well as supporting their local area and community by registering and turning out to vote.”
With a focus on accessibility, ease and the impact of voting the Because I can campaign will focus on ensuring that voters are aware of how to register to vote and what that vote might mean for their local area and community.
17 yr old Steffan from Prestatyn is one of the stars of the campaign featuring in short films that will be seen across the country encouraging young people to register,
“Everybody has their own opinion, and so it’s important to express this opinion by voting in your local elections.
“Voting gives you the opportunity to have an impact on how your local area is run, giving you control over how money is spent on matters which are important to you.
“I strongly encourage all young people to vote, as our opinions often do not align with those of the older generations.”
Also starring in the campaign is Zaneta, originally from Poland but now living in Wales, who supports the call for more qualifying foreign citizens to register to vote,
“As a foreign national living and working in Wales I believe it is important for us to be part of society, and voting is an opportunity for us to have a voice on matters that affect us directly.
“Voting is our chance to stand up for the issues we care about. If we don’t vote, someone else will make the decision for us on how our taxes are used, matters that affect the community's future, and the quality of life we want for ourselves and future generations.
“If you're a foreign national living in Wales you can now vote in the local elections. I encourage you to use that vote, as united we are stronger and our voice can be heard.”
As part of the campaign a Voter Registration Day will be held on Thursday, 24th March across Wales for which leading Welsh figures, libraries and communities, schools and colleges will pull together to promote the key message of registering to vote and making a difference to the future of Wales.
To register to vote go to: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
