The four Welsh counties that will see a change to voting in 2022

Some Welsh residents will be able to vote earlier in next year's local elections - and at different venues - as part of a pilot scheme to boost voter turnout.

The Welsh Government has announced details of 'flexible voting' in Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly and Torfaen.

The next Welsh local government elections will be held on 5 May 2022, but people living in those four areas will be able to vote in person beforehand, as well as on the day.

Under the scheme, a number of different voting locations will be used - including a school, a college and council offices.

The pilots in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Torfaen will also mean people from anywhere in those counties will be able to vote at a central polling station, not just one in their ward.

The Welsh local elections are due to be held on 5 May 2022. Credit: PA Images

How will the pilot scheme work?

  • Blaenau Gwent

In Blaenau Gwent, Coleg Gwent's Learning Zone in Ebbw Vale will be used as an early polling station in the week leading to election day.

All students there will be able to cast their votes, as Wales lowered the voting age to 16 last year.

The polling station will also be available as an early voting centre for all residents of the county, no matter which electoral ward they live in.

  • Bridgend

In Bridgend, a new polling station will be created in a school so eligible pupils can cast their votes there ahead of election day.

Existing polling stations in wards which have had lower turnout will also be open for early voting in the week ahead of the election.

  • Caerphilly and Torfaen

In Caerphilly and Torfaen, council offices will be used as early voting centres on the weekend before election day.

They will be open to all residents of the county, no matter which electoral ward they live in.

Pilot schemes will take place in a school and in a college to make it easier for young people to vote.

Mick Antoniw, Counsel General and Minister for the Constitution, said: "More people taking an active part in our democracy is good for our society.

"These pilots will make it easier and more convenient for people to vote, bringing the ballot box closer to people's day to day lives.

"We're giving young people the chance to shape our democracy, so I'm pleased pilot schemes will take place in a school and in a college."

Mr Antoniw said the outcomes of the pilots could eventually reshape how people cast their votes across Wales.

Guy Lacey, principal at Coleg Gwent, added: "The chance for 16-year-olds to vote in the election is a fantastic opportunity to have their voices heard in matters that impact on young people beyond college."

However,  campaigners say it needs to be the beginning of wider changes.

Jess Blair, from the Electoral Reform Society, said: "The pilots today are only one part of the puzzle in improving our democracy.

"Getting better education in place, getting better information out there at election time, is vital in ensuring the package is fully-rounded - improving political education in schools is one real area where improvements can be made."