Pupils have their say on voting in the election

The South Wales Argus visited two schools – John Frost School and Cwmbran High School – this week to hear sixth formers’ thoughts on the General Election, which will be held on June 8.

At John Frost School, six sixth formers all said that they were planning on voting in the election and stressed the importance of doing so.

Joel Thomas, 18, who lives in the Gaer, said: “This is the first General Election I can vote in and I think people will be judging it on who lies the least.

“I think honesty would encourage more youngsters to vote.”

Duffryn resident Rhys Batty said he felt “a little left out” by politicians.

“Politicians who want to win tend to target older people,” he said Mr Batty.

“They should include everyone.

“But we should all vote because otherwise things won’t change.”

Rory Thomas, 18, said: “I’m politically aware because I’m quite interested in political theory.

“I’m not massively interested in the election.”

He added: “I’ll use my vote but probably spoil my ballot.”

Lily Gray, 18, of Stow Hill, 18, said she had read each of the parties’ manifestos and hoped to see politicians encourage young people to become engaged.

She said: “They can’t just expect people to be engaged.

“They need to do more and that’s really important.”

Another John Frost student, Samiha Meah, who lives in Pill, said: “I’m divided with the election because some of it interests me but it can be frustrating.

“I’m going to vote because of the importance.

“Voting is incredibly important because it determines many things in our lives.

“You can’t moan at a government after election if you haven’t voted.”

Lowri Turner, 18, who voted in the local election, added: “I’ve only heard about Labour and the Conservatives in the campaign so far.

“I will be voting because that’s the only way you can make a difference.

“I’m also voting because of important things like tuition fees.”

At Cwmbran High School, five sixth formers discussed June’s election and gave different ways of how to motivate young people.

Ben Wolverson, 18, who is a member of the Liberal Democrats, said: “The General Election should be about what policies you want rather than just talking about the leaders.

“People should take it upon themselves to learn things for the election.

“I took it upon myself to find out by doing research online.”

18-year-old Megan Jones, 18, said: “I wanted to do a politics and law degree so that’s how I’ve learned information for the election.

“People need to take more of an interest in politics.

“You can educate the importance but not the interest.

“Politicians are seen to be out of touch but if they become more human then it’ll encourage more of us to vote. “

Ieuan Cooke, who lives in Greenmeadow, said: “I see some of this election as irrelevant and turning into a bit like American politics.

“I think young people not being involved in the election is concerning but having things like Question Time being brought forward would help because it’s on so late.

“Programmes like Eastenders could be made later.”

Oakfield resident Chelsea Stevens believes young people want to know more about the General Election.

“Young people do want to know more, ” said Miss Stevens. “but maybe they have other pressing things to do,” she said.

“I’ve not had much time with my exams but once they’re out of the way I’ll be doing more research.

“I think research is a good way of how people can become engaged.”

Cerys Hill, another Cwmbran High pupil, said: “I wouldn’t say I’m extremely aware of politics.

“It was Brexit that motivated me to find out more.

“I didn’t vote in the last election because I didn’t register in time.”

She added: “You need to vote in the next election because people need a say in their future.

“Yes, there’s a lot of people my age who don’t care about the election but I think when they find out more they’ll want to cast a vote.”