A week of activity has been taking place in Pembrokeshire to raise awareness for 16 and 17 year olds in Wales being able to vote for the first time in May’s local elections.

The aim of the week was to raise awareness of democracy, the need to register to vote in order to take part in the elections and the importance of voting on May 5 next year.

As part of the activity, members of the elections team in Pembrokeshire County Council worked with schools to engage with the age group about democracy, getting registered and how the voting process works.

Furthermore, the team launched a project, open to students at all of Pembrokeshire’s secondary schools and college, to create a film or animation on what democracy means to them and why it’s important.

It will need to be delivered by end of January 2022 and each school will get £100 for entering a submission. Each school can only enter one submission, however.

Pembrokeshire County Council chief executive Will Bramble said: “This election is a significant event that requires a commitment to supporting young people’s democratic education.

“Having the opportunity to vote is really important, make sure you get registered so you can have your say – and I ask everyone who can vote to get registered so they can take their first steps into democracy.

“This is your opportunity to choose who represents you in the county council and who will put your voice and views forward.”

To register to vote, visit https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote