A POWYS organisation representing youth workers is encouraging 16 and 17-year-olds to register to be able to vote in the upcoming Senedd elections.

Powys Open Access Youth Workers, an arm of Powys County Council, is encouraging teenagers newly eligible to vote to make that count by registering before the deadline, which is next Monday, April 19.

They have posted a YouTube video with the hash tag #UnmuteYourself, encouraging the younger generation to take advantage of their new-found status.

“If you’re aged 16-17 you can now vote in Welsh elections. Register by 19 April 2021. #UnmuteYourself,” Powys Open Access Youth Workers tweeted.

Votes at 16 and 17 came into force in June 2020, as part of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020.

And next month’s Senedd elections – which take place on May 6 – will be the first opportunity for 16 and 17-year-olds, of which there are around 65,000 in Wales, and legally resident foreign nationals to vote in Wales, in a major expansion of the franchise.

The move is a victory for young people, following campaigning from ERS Cymru and a coalition of youth and civil society campaigners.

To be able to vote in an election in Wales, you need to be registered to vote. Registering to vote is quick and easy.

It makes sure you’re able to use your voice on election day, to decide who you want making decisions that affect your part of Wales.

Register online – you need to be 14 or over to register to vote in Senedd and local elections in Wales.

You’ll be asked for your National Insurance number, but you can still register if you don’t have one.

Register by post – you need to download and complete an application form to apply for a postal vote. Once you’ve added your details, post it to your local Electoral Registration Office.

Visit www.gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office to find your local office.

To find out which elections you can vote in visit the Electoral Commission website at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/which-elections-can-i-vote.

Watch the Powys Open Access Youth Workers YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-QkIIgxsuk.