The Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020 (anaw 1) (Welsh: Deddf Senedd ac Etholiadau (Cymru) 2020) is an Act of the National Assembly for Wales that was given royal assent on 15 January 2020. It was first detailed in February 2019 by way of an Explanatory Memorandum.[1]
| Act of the National Assembly for Wales | |
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| Long title | An Act of the National Assembly for Wales to rename the National Assembly for Wales, to extend the right to vote in Senedd elections, to amend the law relating to disqualification from membership of the Senedd, to make provision regarding oversight of the work of the Electoral Commission, to make miscellaneous changes to the law relating to the government of Wales and for related purposes. |
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| Introduced by | Elin Jones AM |
| Territorial extent | Wales |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 15 January 2020 |
| Commencement |
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| Other legislation | |
| Amends | |
Status: Current legislation | |
| History of passage through Parliament | |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| Text of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk. | |
Summary
editThe Act allowed for the first time in Wales afford 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote, beginning with the 2021 Senedd election.[2] The decision is the largest franchise extension in Wales since 1969, when the Representation of the People Act 1969 reduced the voting age from 21 to 18.[2] The franchise will also be extended to "eligible foreign nationals".[2]
The Act also changed the name of the legislature to "Senedd Cymru" or "the Welsh Parliament".[2] The decision was controversial and saw much debate in the Chamber between those who favoured the single name Senedd and those (led by former First Minister Carwyn Jones) who sought to include a bilingual element.[2] Guidance issued following the passage of the Act suggests that the institution is to be commonly known as the 'Senedd' in both English and Welsh.[3]
The Act amended the Government of Wales Act 2006 (s. 16) so that some disqualified individuals prohibited from taking up a seat in the Senedd are, and some are not, also prohibited from standing for election;[2] and ensures that the Electoral Commission is funded by and accountable to the Senedd for Welsh elections.[2]
The Bill was agreed by the Assembly on 27 November 2019.[4] It became an Act following Royal Assent on 15 January 2020.[5] The contents of the act were implemented in May 2020.[5]
References
edit- ^ "Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill Explanatory Memorandum: Incorporating the Regulatory Impact Assessment and Explanatory Notes" (PDF). Senedd Cymru. February 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g "16 and 17 year olds get right to vote - a historic day for democracy in Wales". National Assembly for Wales. Archived from the original on 13 September 2020. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ "Name Change Information". National Assembly for Wales. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ "Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill" (PDF). National Assembly for Wales. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
- ^ a b "Historic Act enables voting for 16 and 17 year olds – renames Assembly to "Welsh Parliament"". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 27 January 2020.