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Guide for young people

In the 2016 referendum 70% of 18-24 year-olds voted to Remain in the EU, compared with only 40% of those over 65. Unfortunately, fewer young people voted in that referendum – 64% of 18-24 year-olds against 90% of over-65s. 

Since the referendum an estimated two million young people have become eligible to vote and three-quarters of them would back remain if there is a new referendum. Of those who say they would definitely vote, support for Remain rose to 87%. 

According to this same BMG poll in March 2019 55% of young voters said they would be angry if Britain left the EU without a new vote. Only 9% said they would be happy. 

Students have additional reasons for supporting EU membership. Their universities are heavily dependent on EU research funding. The EU’s Erasmus programme has allowed thousands of students, in HE and FE, and other young people to study, volunteer, travel and live in other EU countries, and elsewhere in the world. 

There are nearly 130,000 students attending universities and FE colleges in Wales. This compares with Leave’s majority of just 82,000 in Wales in the 2016 referendum. 

The referendum on 12th December will take place in the very last week of the university term. 

Students can choose to vote at their home or university address. Find out where your vote will be most effective here.