Senedd Elections 2026
Page updated on: 16/01/2026
The next Senedd Elections will take place on Thursday 7 May, 2026. As a result of the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act we will see a number of changes, primarily:
Current system |
System from 2026 |
|---|---|
| 60 Members in total - 40 representing constituencies and 20 representing larger regions. | ***96 Members in total – 16 constituencies being represented by 6 Members each. |
| One vote in the constituency, one vote in the regional list. | One vote in the constituency. |
| People choose an individual candidate at the voting booth for the constituency vote and a political party (or independent) for the regional vote. | Unless voting for an independent candidate, people choose a political party to vote for, with the elected representatives coming from lists decided by parties. The names of all candidates will appear on the ballot paper. |
| Senedd elections every 5 years. | Senedd elections every 4 years. |
| Members/candidates are not required to be resident in Wales. | Members/candidates must be registered to vote in Wales. |
What you need to know can be found on the Senedd Cymru's Countdown to the 2026 Senedd Election: Five things you need to know page.
Wales will have 16 constituencies instead of the current 40. Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru created the new constituencies for Wales and the Senedd will have 96 Members instead of 60. Each constituency will elect six Members.
For Carmarthenshire the commission determined that the Senedd constituency would combine the UK Parliamentary constituencies of Caerfyrddin and Llanelli with the designated name of Sir Gaerfyrddin.
You can find more information on the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru website 2026 Review: Final Determinations page.
See the map of the new constituency.
New voting system
The new voting system is called a ‘closed proportional list system’. This means you vote for a political party (rather than individuals) or an independent candidate.
The ballot paper will show the full list of candidates in your constituency, so you can still see who you're voting for.
If a party wins enough votes, they will win one or more seats in the Senedd. If an independent candidate wins enough votes, they will win a seat in the Senedd.
Seats will reflect the percentage of votes each party or independent candidate gets.
Why do Senedd elections matter?
The Welsh Government is responsible for deciding how Wales is run. They choose what to spend public money on and decide how to deliver public services.
It is where Welsh laws are passed and where some Welsh taxes are set. Members of the Senedd look at the work of the Welsh Government and question its decisions and spending in the Senedd.
The Senedd looks closely at the work of the Welsh Government and questions its ministers. It examines government plans and suggests changes. Senedd members are also able to raise issues in the Senedd that are important to you.
The Senedd is responsible for services such as health, education, transport.
Further information regarding the role of the Senedd can be found here.
Candidates and Agents
The electoral commission provides guidance that aims to provide practical advice for political parties, party list candidates and individual candidates.
Who can vote in this election
To vote in any election in the UK, you must be registered to vote (see below how to do this).
When registered, the following can vote in the Senedd Election on 7 May 2026:
- Aged 16 years old and above
- British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizens
- EU citizens
- Qualifying foreign citizen (a qualifying foreign citizen is a citizen of another country who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need such permission).
For further information please visit the Electoral Commission website.
You do not need Voter ID to be able to vote at this election.
Register to vote
To vote in the Senedd election, you must be registered by Monday, 20 April 2026.
You can register to vote online. It will only take 5 minutes to register.
To register you will be asked for the following details:
- your full name,
- your postal address,
- your date of birth, and
- your national insurance number (if you are 16 years of age or above). It helps to have your National Insurance number to hand, you can find it on your payslip, P60, or letters about tax, pensions and benefits.
If you cannot provide any of these details for any reason, we may need to contact you for further information.
If you have provided your email address, you should get a confirmation e-mail after you have made an application to register.
If you have not provided an email address, you will get a letter in the post.
To register to vote, you must be aged 14 or over (but you can’t vote until you’re 16 or 18 depending on the election) and one of the following:
- a UK or Irish citizen
- a qualifying Commonwealth citizen living in the UK
- a qualifying EU citizen living in the UK
- a qualifying foreign citizen
For further information, please visit the Electoral Commission website.
Don’t leave registration until the last minute, just in case you have any problems.
Deciding how to vote
There are many ways in which you can vote if you are registered to vote.
Key dates
- The deadline for registering to vote is Monday, 20 April 2026;
- If you have moved home recently and have not registered to vote at your new address, you must do so by Monday, 20 April 2026;
- If you wish to vote by post or by postal proxy, the deadline to apply is 5.00pm, Tuesday, 21 April 2026;
- If you wish to vote by proxy (not emergency proxy), the deadline to apply is 5.00pm, Tuesday, 28 April 2026;
- Emergency proxy votes may be available from after 5.00pm, Tuesday, 28 April 2026 until 5.00pm on 7 May 2026 but only under specific extenuating circumstances, find details on the Electoral Commission website or telephone 01267 228889.
- Polling Day is Thursday, 7 May 2026. Polling Stations will be open from 7.00am to 10.00pm.
If you need further information contact Electoral Services by e-mail on electoralservices@carmarthenshire.gov.uk, by phone on 01267 228889 or by post to Electoral Services, Carmarthenshire County Council, County Hall, Carmarthen SA31 1JP.
