Senedd Elections 2026
A Senedd election is taking place in Wales on Thursday, 7th May 2026, and we want to get as many UWTSD students registered to vote as possible so they can have their voices heard on things like how the NHS works, funding for education, tuition fees, and student support for Welsh students, transport, housing, and the environment.
The Senedd is the national parliament of Wales, with elections usually happening every five years. Decisions made in the Senedd affect your money, your studies, and your future.
We're proudly part of the Turn Up campaign run by the National Union of Students to get as many student and youth voters registered to vote as possible. You can vote as long as you're 16 years of age or over on the day of polling, resident in Wales, and registered to vote. This includes students from England, Scotland, the island of Ireland, and international students.
In this election, 96 Members of the Senedd will be elected to represent 16 constituencies. The party (or group of parties) with the most support forms the Welsh Government, and the leader of the government becomes the First Minister of Wales.
Make sure you're registered to vote
Anyone aged 16 or over on polling day is able to vote in a Senedd election as long as they are resident in Wales and registered to vote. That includes students from England, Scotland, the island of Ireland, and international students. International students can use the National Union of Students free "Can I Vote?" online tool to check which elections they are eligible to vote in.
Senedd Elections Dates
- 20th April Deadline for registering to vote
- 21st AprilDeadline for postal vote and postal proxy applications, and for changes to existing postal or proxy votes
- 28th AprilDeadline for applications to vote by proxy
- 7th MayDate of poll
- 8th May Ballot papers are counted
Ways to vote
Voting takes place on the 7th May, and there are three ways to vote once you've completed voter registration:
- In person, at a polling station
- By post, with a postal vote
- By proxy, by choosing someone to vote on your behalf
Vote in person
If you’re on the electoral register, you’ll receive a polling card in the post. This will give you details of where your local polling station is.
You can go to a polling station on the day of a Senedd election to cast your vote. Polling stations are set up for the day in local buildings such as school or community halls across Wales. On election day, polling stations open from 07.00 until 22.00 to make sure as many people as possible can cast their vote.
You can still vote if you’ve lost your polling card, and you do not have to take your card with you to vote.
Find out more about voting in person
Vote by post
If you’re 16 or over, you can apply for a postal vote to use in Senedd and local elections in Wales - you don’t need to give a reason.
You will need to fill in a postal vote application form. You can get this from your local electoral registration office. Visit www.gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office to find your local office.
When Senedd and local elections take place in Wales, you’ll be sent your ballot paper, along with instructions about how to fill it in. To apply for a postal vote, you must be registered to vote first.
Find out more about voting by post
Vote by proxy
If you’re 16 or over, you can apply for a proxy vote. This is when someone votes on your behalf - you’ll need to give a reason for why you want to vote by proxy.
If you know you won’t be able to get to a polling station on election day, voting by proxy is a great alternative. A proxy vote means you choose someone you trust to vote on your behalf. This can be helpful if you have a medical issue or disability that stops you going to a polling station, or if you’re planning to be abroad on election day.
To apply for a proxy vote, you must be registered to vote first. The person you choose to vote on your behalf also needs to be registered to vote.
Find out more about voting by proxy
Senedd Elections: Explained!
Charis and Amber are explain to you what the Senedd Elections are, the rules, how to register to vote, and what it means for your future and the future of Wales.
FAQS
Can I register to vote at two addresses?
Yes, as students, you are allowed to register to vote at more than one address. However, you can only vote at one address in the Senedd election. We know your time is split between your term-time address and your home address, so it's important to be registered at both.
Do I need to register to vote again if I change address?
Yes, you need to register to vote every time you change address.
Will I need photo ID?
No, you will not need to show photo ID in order to vote in the Senedd election.
What if I'm away from home on 7th May?
If you are unable to vote in person on 7th May, you can apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote.
- The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 17:00 on Tuesday 21st April 2026.
- The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 17:00 on Tuesday 28th April 2026.
Acknowledgement
This content was put together with information from www.nus-wales.org.uk/senedd-election-2026 and www.senedd.wales/senedd-election-2026.
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