PART 3Extension of the right to vote

Amendment of article 14 (offences)

36.  In paragraph 1 of article 14, after “A person who” insert “has attained voting age and”.

Amendment of Schedule 1 (absent voting at Senedd Cymru elections)

37.—(1) Schedule 1 (absent voting at Senedd Cymru(1) elections) is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph 1(9)—

(a)at the end of paragraph (c), omit “and”;

(b)at the end of paragraph (d), omit “.” and insert “; and”;

(c)after paragraph (d) insert—

(e)in the case of a person who is, or has been, a child looked after by a local authority, the address at which they are resident or the address shown on the declaration of local connection in accordance with section 7B(3)(d) of the 1983 Act.

(3) In paragraph 5(2)(a)(i), for “18” substitute “16”.

(4) In paragraph 5(4)(a), for “18” substitute “16”.

(5) In paragraph 6A(4)(b)(i), for “18” substitute “16”.

(6) In paragraph 6A(6)(b)(ii), for “18” substitute “16”.

(7) After paragraph 14 (conditions on the use, supply and inspection of absent voter records or lists) insert—

Protection of information about persons aged under 16

14A.(1) A young person’s information (other than any information by which the person’s date of birth may be ascertained) may be disclosed in a version or copy of an absent voters record or list supplied in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Order in relation to Senedd Cymru elections, but only so far as it is necessary to do so for the purposes of or in connection with an election at which the young person will be entitled to vote.

(2) Save for paragraph 14A(1), a registration officer must not publish, supply or otherwise disclose a young person’s information, except in accordance with section 25, or regulations made under section 26 of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020.

(3) In this paragraph—

(i)“young person’s information” is to be construed in accordance with section 24(2) of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020, and

(ii)“absent voters record or list” is to be construed in accordance with section 24(2) of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020 and also includes the records kept under articles 8(9) and 12(13) of this Order.

Amendment of Schedule 5 (Senedd Cymru election rules)

38.  In Schedule 5 (Senedd Cymru election rules)—

(a)in rule 41(1)(b), for “18” substitute “16”;

(b)in rule 41(2), for “18” substitute “16”;

(c)in rule 48(3)(b), for “18” substitute “16”.

Amendment of Schedule 10 (appendix of forms)

39.  Schedule 10 (appendix of forms) is amended as follows.

40.  In form CA (form of proxy paper)—

(a)for “18” substitute “16”;

(b)after “Republic of Ireland,” insert “a qualifying foreign citizen”.

41.  In form CQ (form of declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities), for “18” substitute “16”.

42.  In form CQ1 (form of declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities), for “18” substitute “16”.

(1)

References in the 2007 Order to the National Assembly for Wales now have effect as references to Senedd Cymru, by virtue of section 150A(2) of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32).