Thousands at polls for Welsh Assembly referendum
Thursday 3rd March 2011, 2:54PM GMT.
Thousands of voters were heading for the polls today in a referendum to decide if the Welsh Assembly should have direct law-making powers. People have until 10pm to vote.
The referendum is open to 102,979 Powys residents.
Powys County Council said voters did not need their polling card to cast their vote, providing that their name appeared on the electoral register.
Those in favour say a “yes” vote will save money and make devolved government more efficient.
But those against the move have criticised the record of the Welsh Assembly over the first decade of devolution.
Polling officer Deena Meredith said turnout at Welshpool Town Hall had been better than expected.
She said: “By 9am about 30 people had already voted and numbers are picking up more and more, it is better than I thought it would be by now.”
Councillor Ann Holloway, town and county councillor for Welshpool, said she was voting “no”.
“I think they have got enough powers as it is, let’s leave things alone,” she said.
At present, the Welsh Assembly has powers over 20 broad policy areas, but it must apply to parliament for primary law-making powers on a case-by-case basis.
A “yes” vote would mean the Assembly could pass laws without first having to seek consent from Westminster.
Early indication’s predicted a 2-1 vote in favour, according to a poll by YouGov, with a predicted turnout of between 30 and 40 per cent.
Results from the 22 local authorities will be collated at a central count at the Assembly’s Senedd building, Cardiff Bay, tomorrow.
Most Commented
- Clampdown on Shrewsbury chuggers
- Bishop's gay marriage views do nothing to support bible teachings
- Planners ordered to stay on Newport visit bus
- Letter: Angered by close encounter of the furred kind
- Letter: Alcohol price plans annoy me
- Shrewsbury’s broadband speed one of slowest in UK
- Letter: No sense in overseas job adverts
Shropshire Star on Twitter
Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
Entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new Shropshire Star app
Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
shropshirestar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
Thousands stayed at home, wanting nothing to do with the Assembly.
Report abuse
Thousands voted wanting an Independent Wales :p
Report abuse