 Many people were ignorant of the Welsh assembly's responsibilities |
Most people in Wales think the assembly has improved the way the country is governed, according to a poll. But half the people the Electoral Commission interviewed failed to name a single area where the Welsh assembly has responsibility.
And the study found that 80% of registered voters aged 18-34 did not vote in the 2003 election.
The commission said the report showed public support for devolution had continued to increase.
Two-thirds said they had at least some interest in the assembly and 54% said it had improved governance in Wales.
New powers
But the commission said more needed to be done to communicate the assembly's role ahead of next year's election, considering the low turnout of younger voters and apparent ignorance of assembly responsibilities.
Electoral Commissioner Glyn Mathias said the research provided "important information" for the commission and politicians.
He said: "What it shows is that attitudes towards the assembly are becoming more positive.
"The challenge for the parties is translating that into people going to the polls."
He added: "The 2007 National Assembly for Wales elections will be different to elections held in 2003 and 1999.
"Firstly, the assembly itself will acquire new powers to make and amend legislation. Secondly, the assembly will be able to promote its powers and responsibilities to the public, something it has previously been unable to do."
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