The CWBR Youth project led by PLANED held its first roadshow at Pembrokeshire College on April 5th to promote and encourage first time, and younger voters, to engage in the forthcoming local elections.
Joined by partner organisations at the event held in the Atrium of the college, we were collectively able to engage in discussions, debate, and surveys with the students to promote the importance of local democracy and their need to engage.
Working on the day with the Electoral Commission, Pembrokeshire County Council, One Voice Wales, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Youth Committee and Democracy Box, we covered all bases in terms of not only why it was important for the voice of young people to be heard locally, but the methods by which younger voters can engage with those community bodies.
Breaking down the barriers and myths about town and community councils as held by younger people is a key action for the CWBR Youth project to address, and working with those organisations locally to promote and support inclusivity is already underway.
The local elections on May 5th are a great opportunity for voters to see their ballot cast really county, as often the margins are so small between candidates. CWBR Youth will as a project, to continue to work with partners collectively to demonstrate a joined-up approach to support our younger voters engage, whilst collaborating with Town & Community Councils on bespoke ways in which they can gain the insights of younger residents in their communities.
Some of the comments gained from the survey undertaken on the day from the hundreds of students we spoke to collectively at the college about whether they will vote or not on the 5th May, include:
“Everyone deserves a say. I want to have a say on what will happen in our community”
“I vote locally because I can’t expect to make a difference nationally if I can’t help my local area”
“Not really interested”
“By voting I have a decision in what policies locally are implemented and protect my future”
