May 06, 2026 - 233 views
Polling stations across North Wales will open their doors at 7am tomorrow (Thursday) as voters take part in the Senedd election, with people able to cast their ballots until 10pm.
Voting will take place in a range of familiar venues including schools, community centres and village halls, with residents able to attend their designated polling station at any point during the day. Anyone who is in the queue at 10pm will still be allowed to vote.
To take part, voters must be registered and aged 16 or over. At the polling station, staff will ask for a name and address before issuing a ballot paper. Voters are then asked to mark a single cross in the box next to their chosen party or candidate, fold the paper and place it in the ballot box. Assistance is available for anyone who needs help, and voting booths are arranged to ensure privacy.
Unlike elections in England, there is no requirement to show photo identification in order to vote in Wales. Poll cards are not essential but can help staff locate a voter’s details more quickly.
This election marks a significant change in how Senedd members are elected. The number of Members of the Senedd is increasing from 60 to 96, and the previous 40 constituencies have been replaced by 16 larger constituencies. Each of these new areas will elect six representatives using a proportional voting system. Voters will now cast a single vote, choosing either a political party list or an independent candidate.
The changes are designed to alter how representation is delivered across Wales, with seats allocated in proportion to the share of the vote in each constituency.
Voters who are unable to attend a polling station in person may instead vote by post or by proxy, provided arrangements were made in advance.
After polls close at 10pm, ballot boxes will be sealed and transported to counting centres. Counting is due to begin on Friday, with results expected to be declared later that day.
The Senedd election determines who will represent communities across Wales in the Welsh Parliament, and officials are encouraging all eligible voters to take part.
