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.
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.
Voting - in person, by post or by proxy - means having your say in the future of Wales.
3. Your vote matters
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 9 April.
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.
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.
If you would like more information on what happens on election day, you can find out more at:
- the Electoral Commission website
- 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
