Events designed to showcase the political process in Cardiff and increase engagement are planned as part of Local Democracy Week.

The activities will explain the importance of registering to vote, encourage debate, offer advice and outline the democratic processes supported by Cardiff Council. The focus this year is on young people and members of the BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) community, as traditionally voter registration is low in these areas.

On Monday evening a workshop will be held at the Sanatan Dharma Mandal and Hindu Community Centre in Splott and at the Abu Bakr Mosque in Grangetown at lunchtime on Friday. There will also will be Local Democracy Week stands at City Hall for the Cardiff Youth Council AGM on Wednesday evening and at Cardiff and Vale College's Dumballs Road campus at lunchtime on Thursday.

The Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Dianne Rees said: "Local Democracy Week raises such an important issue when it profiles the need for greater public engagement in the democratic process. As it effects the whole of society it is essential that as wide a cross-section as possible exercise their fundamental right to have their say in how communities are run. With engagement in mind I would also like to remind residents that meetings of the full Council are webcast live on the Council's social media platforms, or if they'd prefer they're more than welcome to come in person and view proceedings from the public gallery." 

Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas said: "Everybody has the right to have their voice heard and to be able to engage in the democratic process. I think Local Democracy Week is a fantastic opportunity to reach out to communities where engagement is traditionally low and to illustrate how easy and important it is to be part of the process that governs where they live."

Local Democracy Week runs from Monday 15 October until Friday 19 October.