Original by Shane Brennan, Daily Post - http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/should-16-year-olds-no…
A White Paper out for consultation is seeking views on a number of issues including electoral reform
People as young as 16 could be given the vote in local council elections.
Members of the public have been asked what they think about the idea that would see the voting age lowered in Wales.
The Welsh Government is looking at how county councils work and that includes how they are elected and who gets to vote for them.
A White Paper setting out how councils can work together to deliver their services has been be unveiled today by Local Government Secretary, Mark Drakeford.
The paper, which is out for consultation until the beginning of April, is the result of months of discussions between the Welsh Government, local authorities and others on how to improve council services.
It seeks views on proposals for mandatory regional working to deliver a range of services, address workforce issues, and implement electoral reform including allowing voting at 16.
Aaron Wynne, 20, of Llanrwst, a representative for Young Plaid Cymru in Aberconwy, said the idea of lowering the voting age was a good one.
“The proposal to lower the voting age to 16 is well over due, and I sincerely hope that it is accepted. Many people finish their full-time education at 16 and go out to the workplace. They pay their taxes but are denied a voice. This is clearly wrong.
“Young people today are better connected and worldlier than any generation before, and are therefore as able to come to an informed opinion as anybody else. Let’s hope the proposal is accepted,” he said.
But Shadow Local Government Secretary, Janet Finch-Saunders, said more needs to be done to make sure younger voters are engaged in the democratic process.
“Voter engagement is key, and we need to ensure that, regardless of the eventual outcome of these proposals, the focus is not taken off efforts to engage the 18-20, or even 18-30 demographic,” she said.
The paper also calls on members of the public to become active participants in local democracy and in the design and delivery of services.
Setting out the proposals, Mr Drakeford said: “This White Paper is not about change for change’s sake. Our councils are working against a backdrop of extraordinary austerity and some services are facing a great deal of pressure. Local government reform is essential if we’re to make these services stronger and more resilient to cope with the demands of the future.
“The new regional arrangements will bring councils together to work more effectively in the interests of people and their communities.
“We want to see a new relationship between councils and their communities where public services support people to live independent lives and intervene only when necessary and only for as long as is required.
“We also want a new relationship between the Welsh Government and our councils; one that is based on mutual respect for the important, and different, roles we each play.
“Underpinning all of these new arrangements will be effective scrutiny and accountability, where councillors act as the champion, advocate and guide for people who elect them.
“I want to thank local authority leaders and others for their help in forming a serious and credible set of proposals. I look forward to working alongside them further following the local government elections in May.
The consultation will close on April 11, 2017 and is available to view on the Welsh Government’s website.