Senior Ambassadors from Ebbw Fawr Yr 11 hosted a meeting with local AM Alun Davies last Friday. Mr Davies undertook a year group assembly and spoke to the group about his work and about the potential of voting rights been lowered to 16 year olds. Following a discussion the students voted narrowly in favour of the motion. Students also had the opportunity to provide feedback to Mr Davies. These included the following comments
16 years olds have a different point of view which changes with age – they experience different things
Yes, because we need to show our contribution to the community
Yes, because it is our future and we should have a say in what happens to us
Yes, if you are old enough to have a job and pay taxes you should be able to vote
Yes, because being an older adult does not define your knowledge of politics
Yes, because it enables everyone to become a part of something and ensure the same rights amongst ourselves
Yes, as it is only fair for us to know what is going on in Wales today and to give our views
No, I think because at 16 some people are still immature and will vote for anything – I think 18 is the right age
No, I don’t believe 16 years old are capable of making big decisions
No, not everybody at that age is mature enough
No, because politics is not taught in depth and at 16 – not enough people understand politics
No, because at 16 they can be influenced or misdirected
No, young people are not mature enough and might not understand the significance