The next election in Wales will be on 7 May 2026. Whether you’re new to voting or just want to understand what’s changed since the last election, this quick guide will help you feel prepared.
Here are five things to help you feel confident and informed:
1. Wales has its own parliament – the Senedd
The Senedd is where decisions are made about many aspects of life in Wales, like health, education, housing, transport, and the environment.
Members of the Senedd play a crucial role in checking Welsh Government plans and spending, and suggest improvements to make things better for everyone in Wales.
From 2026 the Senedd will be made up of 96 Members, elected from all over Wales to speak up for their communities.
A Senedd election is your chance to choose who those Members are.
Find out more about how the Senedd works and what it does.
2. You need to be registered to vote (but it only takes 5 minutes)
If you’re aged 16 or over and live in Wales, you can vote in the 2026 Senedd Election. But first you need to register.
Registering online is simple and only takes five minutes. The deadline to register to vote in person is 20 April.
If you can’t get to a polling station on 7 May, you can register in advance to vote by post, or choose someone you trust to vote on your behalf (this is called a proxy vote). The deadline for proxy and postal vote applications is 21 April 2026.
You cannot vote online.
Not sure if you’re eligible? Visit the Electoral Commission website for more guidance on registering to vote.
Voting - in person, by post or by proxy - means having your say in the future of Wales.
3. Your vote matters
All political parties and independent candidates who want to be elected to the Senedd must register by 9 April.
For the 7 May 2026 Senedd election, Wales will have 16 constituencies. Each one will elect six Members, giving every constituency six ‘seats’.
You can find out who is standing for election in your area on the Electoral Commission website after this date.
Every party or independent candidate will explain what they stand for and why they want your vote. You can usually find this information on their website, or on leaflets and posters in your area.
On the day of the election, you will have one vote for a party or independent candidate. Your vote matters. How you use it is up to you.
After the election, everyone in Wales will have six Members of the Senedd representing their area. You can contact any of them about issues in your area – it doesn’t matter whether you voted for them or not.
4. The election is on Thursday 7 May
If you’re voting in person, your polling card will tell you where you need to go to vote on the day of the election – your polling station. This will be somewhere near to where you live, like a school or community centre.
On 7 May polling stations will be open from 07:00 until 22:00, and you do not need to bring your polling card or ID with you.
When you arrive, staff at the polling station will give you a ballot paper, and you can go to a booth to cast your vote in private. If you’re not sure what to do or need any help, the polling station staff will be happy to assist.
We’ve made a sample ballot paper to give you an idea of how it will look on the day.
You will have one vote, to choose a political party or independent candidate you want to represent you and your community in the Senedd.
Once you have made your selection, post your vote into the ballot box.
If you would like more information on what happens on election day, you can find out more at the Electoral Commission website or read our blog on what happens at a polling station.
5. You can visit the Senedd - it’s your parliament
The Senedd building in Cardiff Bay is open throughout the year and will be open as usual during the election period. Entry is free.
Visit us in Cardiff Bay and take a tour, explore the play area, view the latest exhibition, watch a debate, or just enjoy the view with a cuppa from the café.
There’s always something happening – find out What’s On at the Senedd.
Your Wales. Your vote. Make your mark. Visit our election hub to find out more.
General information
New constituencies
