Earlier this month, Amelia Manuel was preparing to celebrate her 16th birthday on Wednesday, May 6, before heading to the polls for the 2026 Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.
She has now voted and says the experience felt both exciting and surprisingly daunting.
Amelia, who is in the middle of revising for her GCSEs, said voting offered a rare break from the pressure of exams while still feeling like “something grown up and important” to do.
“She was excited to go and vote,” her mum, Katrina Cookson, said.
“It was something new and different to do during her GCSE revision period, and she was really keen to actually get to the polling station and have her say.”
In the run‑up to polling day, Amelia spent time reading about the parties and their pledges online, using social media, news websites and AI tools to explore the different manifestos in her own time.
Katrina said that, although her daughter had never been especially political before, the chance to vote had sparked a growing interest in what parties stand for and which issues matter most to her.
Amelia said the practical side of voting was less clearly explained than she expected.
“I feel like there should be more explanation for first time voters on how to vote, either online in advance or in the building,” she said.
“They just handed me the voting slip and assumed I knew what to do. But I’m glad I went and voted.”
Her comments reflect wider concerns raised by youth democracy campaigners, who say that while lowering the voting age has opened the door for 16 and 17‑year‑olds to take part in Senedd and local elections, more support is still needed to guide them through the process and build confidence at the ballot box.
Despite the nerves, Amelia says she is pleased to have taken part and hopes other young people will feel encouraged to use their vote when they get the chance.
