June 24, 2026 - 173 views
People across Wales could soon be added to the local government electoral register automatically under new plans designed to make voting easier and improve democratic participation.
The Welsh Government has laid regulations to introduce Automatic Voter Registration across the country ahead of the 2027 local government elections, following successful pilot schemes in Carmarthenshire, Gwynedd, Newport and Powys.
An independent evaluation by the Electoral Commission found the pilots were successful, paving the way for the nationwide rollout. The new regulations are expected to come into force this autumn.
Under the new system, local authorities will use data matching to identify people who are eligible to vote in local elections. Those identified will be notified before being added to the electoral register and will have the opportunity to opt out if they choose.
The Welsh Government says the changes will help ensure electoral registers are more accurate and complete, making it easier for more people to take part in local democracy.
Cabinet Secretary for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Siân Gwenllian, said Wales was “leading the way” on Automatic Voter Registration in the UK.
She said: “These regulations will help improve both the accuracy and completeness of the local government electoral register and are an important step towards strengthening our democracy.”
She also thanked the Electoral Commission, the Association of Electoral Administrators and electoral registration teams across Wales for their work in developing the scheme, adding that the Welsh Government would continue working closely with councils to ensure the rollout is delivered carefully and effectively.
The changes apply to local government elections in Wales and are expected to be in place before voters go to the polls in 2027.
