Thursday 18-03-2021 - 13:42

Hello everyone, you may be aware that something very important is coming up…Elections!  

 

Here at the UWTSD SU, you know how much we love democracy. We believe in the power of having your voice heard and exercising your right to vote. Your opinion matters, but you can’t vote unless you are registered! The deadline to register to vote in person is the 19th of April at midnight. 

  

The Senedd and Police & Crime Commissioner elections are just around the corner and you can cast your vote on the 6th of May 2021. However, before you can have your say you need to be registered to vote (which takes around 5 minutes). Elections are incredibly important to ensure that student voices are represented in the Senedd and Westminster - find out who currently represents you.  

  

What are the Senedd elections? 

The Senedd elections are due to be held on the 6th of May and will elect 60 members to Senedd Cymru (the Welsh Parliament). The Senedd passes laws, sets local taxes, and makes decisions about a range of issues that affect the people of Wales. It will be the first election in which 16 and 17-year-olds and foreign nationals are allowed to vote in Wales.  

  

What are the Police & Crime Commissioner elections? 

The PCCs elections take place every four years. They make sure that the local police in their area are meeting the needs of the community. The role of the PCCs is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account. PCCs aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service within their force area. 

  

Why should I register? 

If you want to rent, get a mobile contract, or sign up for a credit card, it helps if you're on the electoral roll, which is a list of everyone who's registered to vote. This also means you can be a part of big decision-making, including voting for a new government.   

  

Students can register to vote at both their home and term-time addresses, this doesn’t mean you get two votes though. You must only vote at one address in the Senedd elections and UK Parliament elections, but you can choose which area to vote in.   

  

Registering to vote takes just five minutes if you do it online. If you’re 16 or older, all you need is your National Insurance number. 

  

Who can vote? 

You can vote if you are British, Irish, national of a commonwealth country, and EU national.  

  

From this year anyone over the age of 16 can vote in the elections! So, if you’re a Further Education Student at Coleg Sir Gâr or any other partner colleges and over the age of 16 make sure to register.  

  

Did you know that it is a legal duty in the UK for adults to register to vote? 

  

Important dates! 

• To vote in-person you will have to register to vote by Monday 19 April at midnight.  
• To vote by post you will have to register by Tuesday 20 April at 5 pm, download the application form here.  
• To vote by proxy (i.e. someone else votes for you) you will have to do so by Tuesday 27 April 5 pm, download the application form here. 

  

Polling day 

On Thursday the 6th of May you cast your vote at your nearest polling station between 7 am and 10 pm. If you don’t know where your polling station is you can find out here.  

  

Due to COVID-19 Measures will be in place at Polling Stations to protect everyone:  

• You will be expected to use hand sanitizer and maintain social distancing.  
• There may also be a one-way system. 
• You will be required to wear a face-covering (unless exempt).  
• Make sure to bring a pen or pencil!