Referendum on the Welsh Assembly Powers
The Secretary of State for Wales is consulting with the Electoral Commission on the wording of the question to be put to voters in a referendum on the law making powers of the National Assembly for Wales. This is in order to try and ensure that the question in the referendum is written in such a way that it can be easily understood, it is to the point, unambiguous, avoids encouraging voters to consider one response more favourably than another and avoid misleading voters.
The reason for having the referendum is to give the people in Wales the opportunity to decide if they want more law making powers here in Wales rather than having to defer to the UK Parliament for laws to be passed in the devolved areas of health, education, social services, local government and the environment. Under the current system the Assembly has to apply to the UK government for Legislative Competency orders in these areas when laws need to be passed. There has been a lot of debate about the need for a referendum and when it should be held but now we are at the stage of ensuring that the question is appropriate and understandable.
So the Electoral Commission is now going to carry out research with people from different backgrounds and different areas of Wales. This will be done through focus groups and one to one interviews. They will also ask for advice from experts on the use of plain language and talk to potential campaign and other interested groups and individuals and the main political parties.
It is vital that young people in Wales engage with this process as it is projected that by 2031 children and young people will make up 17% of the population in Wales and the result will be very significant to the current young people as to how the Wales will be governed in the future. To find out more go to: http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/elections/referendums
You can also contact the commission on infowales@electoralcommissiom.org.uk or write to them at The Electoral Commission, Caradog House, 1-6 Saint Andrews Place, Cardiff CF10 3 BE or phone 02920 2034 6800
Let us know how you think about the question can made intelligible
What can be done to make sure that the question written in plain language?
How can it be written so that it doesn’t suggest a judgement or opinion?
What will need to be in the question so that it is factual and sets out the options clearly and accurately?
The question must not assume anything about voter’s views, how do you think this can be achieved?
tam@funkydragon.org