Posted on: Tuesday 12 May 2026
Members of Torfaen Youth Forum have been interviewed as part of a European news report on votes for 16-year-olds.
Journalist Katrien Vanderschoot, from the Belgium’s state broadcaster VRT Radio, spoke to the forum at Civic Centre, in Pontypool, last week ahead of the Senedd Election.
During her visit, Katrien spoke with the young people about their experiences of engaging in local decision-making and their preparations to vote in Senedd Elections.
Wales is one of the few countries where young people can register to vote from the age of 14 and vote at 16, placing Torfaen’s young residents at the forefront of youth democratic engagement.
Belgium also allows 16-year-olds to vote in EU elections, but voting is compulsory, unlike in Wales.
Katrien said: “It’s impressive to see how informed and passionate the young people in Torfaen are. Giving 16-year-olds the right to vote is only part of the story – it is equally important to support young people to understand and exercise that right.”
Forum member Harry Legge added: “It was exciting to be part of something that will be seen in another country. It shows that young people’s voices in Torfaen matter beyond our local area.”
As part of the visit, the forum members took part in a TikTok video about their experiences and explaining why voting matters to them as part of a series focusing on how different countries support youth participation in democracy.
The visit highlights the council’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth participation and empowering young people to play an active role in shaping their communities.