BY JACK WELCH

British democracy is slowly evolving.

Voting consists of the standard pencil and paper ballot, but the likelihood of this method of voting being the only means to vote is in doubt as we look to engage young voters.

Last week the Welsh Government began a consultation, directly seeking the views of its young electorate.

It is looking to extend its voting population to those aged 16 and 17 in local and Assembly elections, through more devolved powers.

More interestingly, the consultation goes further and asks opinions on having digital options introduced at polling stations and the prospect of remote voting with mobile devices.

As it stands, the government at Westminster has entirely opposed calls to widen the right to vote for people aged 16 upwards.

Whether people in Wales feel the same way will soon reveal itself as the results of the public consultation are known. What is clear is that already in Scotland, which granted votes at 16 during the Scottish Referendum, young people want to have a say.

Around 75 per cent of young voters used their vote. Additionally, the UK general election saw the biggest increase in a generation, with 57 per cent of those aged 18 and 19 influencing the shape of our new parliament.

We need to continue the path to meet the expectations of new voters, even where there may be doubts for that change.