If you missed the deadline to register to vote for the police and crime commissioner, and Welsh Assembly elections, then you still have time to make sure you can vote in the EU referendum.
The deadline to register to vote in the EU referendum is Tuesday, 7 June.
Young people especially need to check that they are registered to vote to make their voices heard in this critical debate, the outcome of which will affect them far longer than their parents and grandparents.
According to the latest YouGov report, there is a clear difference between age groups in regards to their intention on whether or not they will vote in the EU referendum and how they are likely to vote.
The survey revealed that just 48 % of 18-24 year olds but 77 % of those aged 65 plus said that they are certain to vote.
“What this shows us is that there is not a strong enough commitment from those under the age of 25 to even participate in the referendum.
“I would urge our young people to make the commitment to take to the polls. The decision made on the 23 June is going to have a long term effect on their future and therefore they should be the driving force behind this referendum,” said FUW Managing Director Alan Davies.
The survey further showed that young people are more likely to lean to staying in, but older people are more likely to turn out.
When asked, after having taken all factors into consideration how they would vote, 48 % of 18 to 24 year olds said they would vote to remain and 55 % of those aged over 65 would vote to leave the EU.
“There is a strong difference in opinion between the age groups and if our young people want to stay in the EU, then they have to make that clear in how they vote and actually vote.
“What was interesting was that 46 % of 18 to 24 year olds considered the effect on jobs, investment and the economy as the most important factor to base their decision on. Whereas those over the age of 65 were more concerned with immigration,” added Mr Davies.
In light of the above facts, the Union was further concerned that according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there was a significant drop in registered voters from 2014 to 2015 in Wales.
Figures showed that on 1 December 2014, 2,254,219 people (including attainers) were registered to vote in local government elections. That number dropped by over 46 thousand in 2015.
“This vote is very important to the future of our country. We must have the full spectrum of opinions in this referendum and that includes our rural and young voices.
“The final decision will affect the next generation more than half of those who are taking to the polls in June and I therefore urge the young people of Wales not to miss out on their chance to vote,” said the Union’s Managing Director Alan Davies.
Those living in Wales can register to vote online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.