News

Plans advance for introduction of automatic voter registration in Wales

Published

9 months ago

February 7, 2024

PLANS to introduce automatic voter registration in Wales moved a step closer as proposed legislation cleared its first hurdle in the Senedd.

Mick Antoniw said the Elections and Elected Bodies bill is an important step in reducing the democratic deficit in Wales and developing an electoral system fit for the 21st century.

If the bill becomes law, Welsh ministers will use the new powers to pilot adding eligible voters to the electoral register without the need to submit an application.

Mr Antoniw – who is counsel general, the Welsh Government’s chief legal adviser – stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable voters through anonymous registration.

He confirmed voters would be given 45 days’ notice to opt out or request to be registered anonymously, adding that a communications campaign would accompany any rollout.

He said implementation would coincide with the removal of the current open register.

The bill would create an electoral management board to oversee elections and a new online voter information programme which may include candidate statements.

It also proposes measures to increase diversity in Senedd and council elections, including resettlement payments for councillors who are voted out by the public.

John Griffiths, who chairs the Senedd’s local government committee, called for amendments to ensure the independence of the new electoral management board.

The board would sit under the soon-to-be renamed and repurposed Local Democracy and Boundary Commission, a Welsh Government-sponsored body.

Mr Griffiths said evidence to the committee, which produced a stage-one report on the bill, overwhelmingly supported the principle of automatic registration.

Calling for more safeguards, he said: “We feel strongly that, ultimately, automatic registration should only be implemented if the safety of vulnerable electors is guaranteed.”

The Labour MS for Newport East raised concerns that people who want to register anonymously will be required to provide evidence and review their application every year.

Mr Griffiths said: “Providing such evidence could be difficult for vulnerable people as it could be a reminder of traumatic experiences.”

He warned that if the process is too onerous, people could choose to opt out.

Sam Rowlands, the Tories’ shadow local government minister, said his party would back the bill at this stage but that support could be withdrawn if concerns are not addressed.

Raising the importance of choice, he pointed out that a majority of people in Wales have opted not to take part in every Senedd election since the dawn of devolution.

Mr Rowlands highlighted concerns from the Women’s Equality Network which has warned that even a closed register could pose a danger to the survivors of domestic abuse.

The former Conwy council leader said: “There is a risk that needs to be handled with the utmost sensitivity and this needs to be a core consideration of this bill.”

He also flagged RNIB Cymru’s concerns about the removal of existing provisions that ensure polling stations enable blind and partially sighted people to vote independently.

Plaid Cymru’s Sioned Williams and Labour’s Carolyn Thomas called for more financial support to enable those with caring responsibilities to stand for election.

Adam Price argued the bill – one of a trio of election-related bills to be considered by the Senedd this year – will strengthen Wales’ democracy.

“It’s very timely as it is 25 years since the creation of this Senedd,” said the former Plaid Cymru leader. “And in a year when the highest-ever percentage of the population of the globe, 40%, will be voting in elections – that’s four billion people.”

Mr Price, who represents Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, said the automatic registration will hopefully get more people to participate in Wales’ democratic processes.

He welcomed the bill’s provisions on under-represented groups, saying: “We can’t do our work of representing the people unless all people are represented.”

The ex-MP suggested Plaid Cymru could introduce amendments to tackle other challenges to democracy such as misinformation and the abuse of women in politics.

MSs unanimously agreed to the bill’s general principles and financial resolution, dispensing with the need for a vote following the debate on February 6.

The bill now moves to stage two which will see members consider detailed amendments.

Community

Pembs Agricultural Society’s Christmas Fair expands to an all-weekend event

Published

9 mins ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S Christmas Fair will be an all-weekend event next month. The Christmas shopping extravaganza is all set to take place on Saturday, 14 December as well as Sunday, 15 December.

The Parkhouse building on the Haverfordwest Showground will be transformed into a Christmas paradise. There will be even more stalls this year with a wide variety of quality local businesses exhibiting as well as festive music, Santa in his Grotto and an outdoor food court.

Judith Roach and Emma Thomas, the event organisers, said, “We are excited to be able to announce that our Christmas Fair will be on for two days rather than just one this year. We continue to build on the success of last year’s event with twice the opportunities to attend and even more stallholders. It will be the perfect start to the festive season as the Parkhouse Building will be transformed into a one-stop-shop for those preparing for Christmas.”

The Fair will be open from 10am until 4pm and admission is free. Visitors will find unique gifts, handmade decorations, art and beautiful homeware. Some of the county’s very best food and drink producers will also have stalls to give visitors the opportunity to stock up on all their festive treats. From decadent chocolate brownies, fudge, festive spirits to Welsh cheeses, there’s something to tantalise everyone’s tastebuds. There will also be a range of outlets for ‘on the go’ eating and drinking.

One special guest at the event will be everyone’s favourite bearded gentleman in red – Santa will be taking time out from his busy schedule to attend the event. There will be a charge of £3 per child to visit Santa and all proceeds will go directly to Sandy Bear charity to support their work. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa as part of their visit. Parents can book in advance via the website: www.sandybear.co.uk/santa

Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s President is looking forward to the festive event. He said, “The Society would like to thank Judith and Emma for all the hours they have put in, voluntarily, to organise the two-day Christmas event. We’re delighted to be able to offer visitors the opportunity to do all their Christmas shopping whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere.”

Follow Pembrokeshire County Show’s Christmas Fair event page on Facebook for a full list of stallholders in the run up to the event.

Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

11 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.

News

Campaigners urge Welsh Government to adopt proportional representation for Local Elections

Published

12 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAMPAIGNERS are calling on the Welsh Government to introduce the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system for local elections, following moves by two councils to shift away from the First Past the Post (FPTP) system being blocked on technical grounds.

Yesterday (Nov 14), Ceredigion Council voted narrowly, with an 18 to 17 majority, in favor of adopting STV. This follows Gwynedd Council’s decision last month, where 65% of councillors backed the move. However, both councils have been prevented from implementing STV due to a requirement for a two-thirds majority under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.

In recent consultations, public support for STV has been overwhelming, with over 70% in Gwynedd and 67% in Ceredigion favoring the change. Only Powys Council rejected the proposal, despite 60.5% of its respondents supporting STV. Campaigners argue that the current system deprives voters of representation, citing that over 100,000 people were denied a vote in the 2022 elections due to uncontested seats.

The Electoral Reform Society Cymru (ERS Cymru) highlights the contrast with Scotland, where the introduction of STV for local elections in 2007 has significantly reduced uncontested seats. According to ERS Cymru, Scotland has had fewer uncontested seats in the last four elections combined than Gwynedd Council recorded alone in 2022.

Jess Blair, Director of ERS Cymru, said:

“Decisions made in council chambers affect everyone in those areas, so every vote should count. It’s absurd that councils choosing STV are blocked by a technicality, leaving them stuck with an outdated system that denies representation to thousands. The Welsh Government must act to avoid repeating the undemocratic outcomes of the last elections.”

Campaigners are now calling on the Welsh Government to introduce STV across all councils in Wales, ensuring representation that reflects the electorate’s wishes.