With the Senedd election taking place on Thursday 7 May 2026, now is the time to make sure you’re ready to vote.
Whether you’re voting for the first time or you’ve voted before, make sure you’re registered by 20 April.
How do I register?
Registering to vote is quick and easy.
You can register to vote online. You need to be 14 or over to register to vote in Senedd elections. You’ll be asked for your National Insurance number, but you can still register if you don’t have one.
You can also register by post. You need to download and complete an application form to apply for a postal vote. Once you’ve added your details, post it to your local Electoral Registration Office.
What happens after I register?
Once you’re registered, you’ll receive a polling card in the post. It may arrive close to election day. This will give you details of where your polling station is (the place where you will go to vote).
You do not need to take your polling card when you vote. You can still vote even if you’ve lost or misplaced it. You also do not need to take ID to vote in a Senedd election.
Find out more about what happens at a polling station.
Do I have to go to a polling station to vote?
There are several ways that you can vote. You can vote at your polling station, 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). You cannot vote online.
Find out more on the Electoral Commission website.
Accessible voting
Staff at your polling station can help you vote on 7 May. Polling stations will also have equipment including large-print ballot papers, somewhere to sit, and instructions on how to vote. For further information about accessible voting, visit vote.wales.
Why should I vote?
The Senedd is the parliament of Wales. It makes laws for Wales in areas like health, schools, transport, farming, the environment and the Welsh language. Welsh laws look at the situation in Wales, which might be different to other parts of the UK.
The Members you elect will have the power to make decisions about things that affect everyone in Wales.
Who can vote?
To vote in the Senedd election on 7 May 2026 you must:
- be 16 years of age or over on the day of the election (polling day)
- be registered to vote
- be a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the European Union, or a qualifying foreign citizen
- live in Wales, and
- be legally allowed to vote
Not sure if you’re eligible? The Electoral Commission has lots more information about registering to vote.
Don't miss out. Register to vote by 20 April. Make your mark.
