16 and 17 year olds can now officially vote in Wales for Senedd elections.
Votes at 16 & 17 come into force on Monday, as part of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020.
Next year’s Senedd elections will be the first in which 16 and 17 year olds and legally resident foreign nationals are allowed to vote in Wales, in a major expansion of the franchise. Around 65,000 16/17s are expected to benefit.
The move is a victory for young people, following campaigning from ERS Cymru and a coalition of youth and civil society campaigners.
Congratulations to the Welsh for recognising that teenagers are equal citizens! But isn't it time New Zealand followed suit?