National Assembly for Wales

Local Government and Public Services Committee

Electoral Arrangements in Wales - A Discussion Document

Mold Town Council’s Response:Question 1: Should penalties be used (for registration on electoral register) and would this encourage more people to register?Whilst it is felt that all laws should be enforced and if not practical to do so they should be amended, it is not considered sufficient of a problem to warrant the use of penalties. However, this situation should be monitored.Question 2: What methods could be used to ensure that more people living with their parents, who have moved recently or are living in rented accommodation register?It is considered that the best method of reaching the majority of people is by way of television advertisements.Question 3(a): Will individual registration with personal identification help to increase registration?No.Question 3(b): Will it help to make voting more secure if the personal identification has to be produced before you can vote?Yes, this must help.Question 4: Should there be some form of automatic registration as in other countries?This is not considered practical without the introduction of a national ID scheme.Question 5: What methods could be used to encourage more Black and Ethnic Minority people to register?It is felt that this can be encouraged through the education of children within schools and the development of the British Citizenship scheme and its associated courses.Question 6: Would an all postal vote be workable in Wales?It is considered that the current system in operation is the most appropriate method for voting. It is felt that an all postal vote might lead to a reduction in turnout with many people less inclined to complete forms. The current system offers the electorate the choice of how to vote.Question 7: What forms of electronic voting could be used in Wales? What could be the benefits / problems of using the methods suggested?The existing system of voting is simple and effective and should not be changed. It is considered that the use of electronic voting may cause confusion and as a result put many people off. It is also considered that the introduction of any electronic system would be too expensive.Question 8: Could alternative venues be used as polling stations?If electronic voting were introduced it is considered that other venues could be used. However, the view of the Town Council is that the existing system of voting should not be changed (see answer to Q7 above).Question 9: Why do so few young people in Wales vote?It is felt that apathy and ignorance form the main reasons for the failure to vote. It is believed politicians have failed to capture the imagination of young people and that the lack of education (not being part of the curriculum) contributes to the apathy and ignorance of the democratic values and processes. The Town Council feels that there should be a duty upon the education system and politicians to make people aware of the importance of voting.Question 10: Are young people given enough information in schools to make an informed decision about how they are going to vote?No.Question 11: Should party politics be taught in schools?It is believed that politics should be taught in schools and that party politics cannot be divorced from the overall topic.Question 12: Should political parties be involved in informing young people about politics in schools and other youth groups?Yes, but in a balanced manner.Question 13: Are there examples of good practice in informing young people about politics in your area?A 'Mini Assembly’ has been organised in recent years by the local Deeside Rotary Club involving politicians and young people. Many schools have school councils and these could be developed.Question 14: Is there enough provision for people with disabilities to help with the registration process?Yes, provided that people are prepared to ask.Question 15: Is there enough provision for people with disabilities to help with voting?Yes provided that a commonsense and sympathetic approach is available from the presiding officers and polling clerks.Question 16: Should there be statutory standards for the accessibility of registration and voting material and polling stations?It is felt that there are already a range of legislative rules that deal with this matter including the Disability Discrimination Act.Question 17: What are your views on the use of mobile ballot boxes for people who have difficulty getting to polling stations?This is considered to be unnecessary with the availability of postal voting.Question 18: Should polling station managers be required to produce a report similar to that in the Netherlands?Yes it is considered that this would be helpful although it is felt that it already happens in most areas. It is considered essential however, that the reports are acted upon.Question 19: What are your views on the availability of help and advice available bilingually at elections in Wales?The service provided is considered to be sufficient.Question 20: What could be done in terms of documents and advice to encourage more BME people to register and vote?It is considered that the system should be kept as simple as possible and that too much information would prove to be counter-productive. The Town Council believes that this is again a matter that should be addressed as part of an improved educational approach.Question 21: Do you consider the forms and information given about registration and voting to be straightforward and easily understandable?It is generally considered that the forms and information and are straightforward and easily understandable. There are however, concerns over the eligibility of some EU residents to vote.