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Motions and Amendments for future debate

Motions tabled on 27 January 2015

NNDM5683 Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes:

a) Bite the Ballot's national voter registration day on 5 February and the nationwide week of action between 2 and 8 February;

b) 'The quality of the 2014 electoral registers in Great Britain' report by the Electoral Commission, which found that 49% of 16-17 year olds are not registered to vote;

c) the 'Analysis of the confirmation live run in England and Wales' Electoral Commission progress report, which found that the individual electoral registration match-rate for 16 to 17 year olds has declined from 86% to 52%; and

d) the success of the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland's 'Schools Initiative' in adding 57,000 young people (approximately 50% of the age group) to the register.

2. Regrets that turnout in Assembly elections has been decreasing and supports action to encourage active, engaged participation of young people in democracy.

3. Calls for steps to empower electoral registration officers to improve data-sharing, increase the number of people registered from under-represented groups - especially young and student electors - and ensure greater participation of young people.

'The quality of the 2014 electoral registers in Great Britain' report by the Electoral Commission is available at: http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/169889/Completeness-and-accuracy-of-the-2014-electoral-registers-in-Great-Britain.pdf

Supported by

Ann Jones (Vale of Clwyd)

Leanne Wood (South Wales Central)

Peter Black (South Wales West)

Aled Roberts (North Wales)

Keith Davies (Llanelli)

Jocelyn Davies (South Wales East)

Mike Hedges (Swansea East)

Mark Isherwood (North Wales)