Challenge (Before)
A Ukrainian attendee joined the DPIA Elections and Voting Rights Forum after hearing discussions in the community about elections but feeling confused about whether they had any right to participate. The attendee shared that, after arriving in Wales, they often heard conversations about politics, elections, and decisions affecting refugees and local services but did not understand how the system worked or whether people from Ukraine had any voice in it. They explained that politics in the UK felt intimidating and unfamiliar. In Ukraine, they had always followed politics, but in Wales they felt like an outsider and assumed voting was “for British people” and not someone like them. The attendee was particularly worried about decisions affecting housing, education, support for displaced people, and the future for their child, but felt powerless and disconnected.
Intervention (Action)
The attendee participated in the DPIA Elections and Voting Rights Forum, where information was shared in an accessible and welcoming way about voting eligibility, how elections work in Wales, the role of the Senedd and local councils, and how political decisions affect everyday life. Importantly, the session created a space where attendees felt comfortable asking questions they may otherwise have felt embarrassed to ask, including very practical questions such as: “Am I actually allowed to vote?” and “Does my vote matter here?” DPIA facilitators explained the process clearly, shared trusted information, and encouraged attendees to see democratic participation as part of feeling included and having a voice in Welsh society.
Results (After)
- The attendee gained confidence in understanding the Welsh political system and voting rights.
- They reported feeling more included and connected to their local community.
- The attendee successfully registered to vote after the forum and later discussed election information with friends and family in the Ukrainian community.
- They shared that understanding their rights made them feel “less temporary” and more able to shape their future in Wales.
