County borough school to take part in unique voting pilot

Bridgend County Borough Council are set to take part in a unique voting pilot which aims to get more young people involved in local elections.

The pilot, which is the only one of its kind in Wales, will see two polling stations open in Cynffig Comprehensive School on the Tuesday ahead of Polling Day from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Students who live in either the Cornelly ward or Pyle, Kenfig Hill and Cefn Cribwr ward and are registered to vote, will be able to cast their vote within the school during school hours.

They will also have the option of voting in a polling station instead of at school.

The aim of the pilot is to give eligible students the opportunity to vote for the first time in a familiar environment and begin the habit of voting.

The school pilot at Cynffig Comprehensive is particularly exciting and will allow pupils aged 16+ to vote in an environment they are comfortable with.

Hopefully, this will encourage as much participation as possible among young people to get involved in the democratic process in the future.

Council Leader Huw David

The council are also looking to improve the registration rates among all 16- and 17-year-olds. To get on the electoral register so you can vote in elections or referendums, register on the UK Government website.