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Introduction

Someone must make choices and decisions to lead and manage our country. It is very important that citizens know how they can influence these choices and decisions.

National politics

It’s important to vote and participate in politics because your representatives are making choices and decisions on your behalf.

Members of Parliament in Westminster, Members of the Senedd in Cardiff Bay and councillors in local government are responsible for making decisions in terms of distributing resources and funds.

By voting and participating, citizens are able to express their views to the decision makers about issues such as:

• when litter is collected
• how electricity is generated
• what should be learned in schools

International politics

By voting in the Wales and UK elections, the electorate influences global issues, as there are no limits to our world's most contentious issues, eg climate change, economic development and racism. These are not problems exclusive to Wales or the UK. MPs will be meeting politicians from other countries to discuss these issues.

Voting in elections

Everyone in Wales over 16 years of age, who has registered to vote, can cast a vote in Wales elections. Everyone in Wales over 16 years of age can also vote for their councillors.

Everyone over 18 years of age, who is on the electoral register can vote in general elections that elect Members of Parliament in Westminster.

Failure to vote is not against the law, but why is voting considered so important?

• Democracy

Voting is an important way to participate in politics. Elections ensure that democracy is being upheld, because the electorate decides who gains power. Constituents are able to vote to re-elect the same representative in the next election, or vote for another candidate if they’re not happy.

• Creating links between people and the government

We have a representative democracy in the UK, therefore it is politicians not citizens who discuss, debate and make decisions in Parliament. Voting is important then, to ensure that citizens are part of the process of deciding who will represent them.

• Selecting a government

When voting for a constituency representative, citizens contribute to the process of selecting a government, as it is the party with the majority of representatives that has the right to form a government.

Other ways of participating in politics

Before you're old enough to vote, you can participate in politics in many other ways.

Campaigning

Citizens can make sure their voices are heard by signing a petition calling for change. Young people who are 13 years of age or older can also make use of social media to follow groups that stand up for issues important to them.

Demonstrating

Citizens can carry out a demonstration in order to highlight causes that are important to them and also to encourage change. Often, citizens demonstrate by marching and displaying posters explaining their arguments.

Lobbying

There is no need to wait for an election in order to contact a representative. Citizens can send an e-mail directly to their Member of Parliament or Member of the Senedd at any time. Also, MPs and Members of the Senedd regularly hold sessions where citizens can meet them to discuss matters.

Join a pressure group

Citizens can join a pressure group, which means a group of people who want to influence government policies on specific matters. A substantial number of pressure groups have more members than political parties.

Joining a political party

A citizen can join a political party. This will give them an opportunity to help shape the party's policies, select candidates for elections and select a leader.