Ceredigion Hosts Workshops to Boost Youth Voter Engagement

In a proactive effort to increase youth voter participation, workshops were conducted in Ceredigion throughout November, aimed at preparing young people for the upcoming Senedd elections. This initiative, known as the My First Vote Tour, was organized in collaboration with Ceredigion Electoral Services and the Senedd Commission. The workshops focused on raising awareness of voting rights and the electoral process among various community groups and schools.

The sessions reached over 720 young individuals, including students from secondary schools, members of the Ceredigion Disability Forum, and learners from Coleg Ceredigion and Aberystwyth University. Eifion Evans, the Returning Officer for the Ceredigion Penfro constituency, emphasized the importance of these workshops. He stated, “It’s vitally important that our young people know what to expect when they go to vote for the first time. Our intention is to ensure that they understand the importance of registering to vote and what responsibilities the Senedd has.”

The workshops included interactive components, such as a mock election designed to illustrate the new system of proportional representation. Kiani Francis, a Member of the Welsh Youth Parliament for Ceredigion, reflected on the significance of these discussions. “Our session on learning about voting rights for young people was a great experience for us to think critically and discuss how significant young people who vote can be,” Francis remarked.

Bethan Roberts, the Education and Youth Engagement Officer for Mid and West Wales at the Welsh Parliament, expressed pride in the program’s tailored approach. She noted that the sessions were specifically designed to clarify the powers of Senedd Cymru and provide practical guidance on registering to vote and casting ballots.

The push for increased youth engagement is particularly crucial as the Senedd Election approaches, scheduled for 7 May 2026. By focusing on education and outreach, Ceredigion aims to empower a new generation of voters and ensure their voices are heard in shaping the future of Wales.