Welsh Liberal Democrats would reduce the voting age to 16

3.54.47pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 16th Jan 2007

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, Kirsty Williams, has backed her party's calls to reduce the voting age to 16.

Turnout among under 25s at the last Assembly Election was just 16 per cent, and it is widely acknowledged that more needs to be done to engage young people in the political process.

Ms Williams said: "I frequently visit local schools and meet with young people, and I am always impressed by their involvement in their communities and their desire to make the world a better place. This is what politics is, or should be, all about, and we need to make sure we give these young people every opportunity to use this energy and enthusiasm.

"The time is right to lower the voting age for Assembly and council elections to 16. At that age you can already pay tax, get married, leave school and fight for your country, but we need to make sure that their views are heard by politicians. We also need to make sure young people are more informed about the process, and develop programmes of enhancing political literacy amongst young people in school and college.

"Our young people offer a new, vibrant and innovative approach to decision-making. Welsh Liberal Democrats would permit community and town councils to co-opt up to two non-voting representatives from residents of the community aged between 16 and 25. We would enable children and young people to participate within community safety partnerships. More engagement means more accountability and better decision-making. Equality of opportunity and an inclusive society are fundamental principle for the Welsh Liberal Democrats. Votes at 16 and a bigger say for young people in the running of their community and country are essential to a fairer and liberal Wales."