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Welsh Government to introduce progressive electoral reforms

Last week in the Senedd, First Minister Mark Drakeford announced the Welsh Government’s plans for legislation for the next year. This covered eight new bills which the government hopes will become law. There was a...

Posted 06 Jul 2023

Welsh Labour conference vote is a big boost to campaign for Senedd reform

With just 60 elected members, Wales’ Parliament has long been under-resourced. But that problem has grown as Wales acquired more responsibilities – without the representatives needed to properly scrutinise legislation. For as long as there...

Posted 16 Mar 2022

These reforms are vital for delivering better public services for Wales

Why the Senedd needs more members

Posted 13 Mar 2022

Investing in scrutiny will ensure that the Senedd better delivers for Wales

Poll finds growing support for properly equipped Senedd

Last week a new poll for the Western Mail, carried out by Beaufort Research, found that support for more members of the Senedd is on the up. Almost half (48%) of those polled said they...

Posted 09 Mar 2022

Fewer than a third disagree with a 90 member Senedd

Labour and Plaid Cymru deal is a big step forward for Wales’ democracy

This week saw a historic moment in Wales. Standing on the steps of the Senedd on Monday afternoon, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford and Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price announced The Co-operation Agreement, setting out...

Posted 23 Nov 2021

A giant step forward for electoral reform in Wales

First time votes for 16 and 17 year olds in Wales – what Westminster can learn

This week we saw history happen in Wales. After years of ERS Cyrmu campaigning for the rights of 16 and 17 year olds to vote in Wales, the first election with an expanded franchise took...

Posted 07 May 2021

For the first time 16 and 17 year olds were able to vote for the Senedd

My 20 years of campaigning for votes at 16

This is a guest post from Kelly Harris, a qualified youth worker who has worked with children and young people for 20 years across Wales. I still find it hard to believe that it has been...

Posted 26 Apr 2021

Wales will be a better and stronger place for including young people in the democratic process

Welsh democracy is under threat, we need more members of the Senedd now more than ever

Just a few short weeks out from the Senedd elections and it’s clear that the election campaign has now hit full swing. With polls suggesting some uncertainty parties are already setting out their stalls on...

Posted 09 Apr 2021

Welsh civil society launches ‘democracy manifesto’ for 2021 Senedd elections

Civil society groups led by ERS Cymru have launched their ‘democracy asks’ for the 2021 Welsh Senedd elections, throwing down the gauntlet for Welsh parties to back real democracy for voters.

Posted 06 Jul 2020

The campaign for a fairer franchise just secured a major victory

16 and 17 year olds in Wales have officially secured the right to vote for Senedd elections, after a crucial piece of legislation received Royal Assent on Wednesday. 16 and 17 year olds in Wales...

Posted 15 Jan 2020