New guide explains Senedd election changes for Welsh voters

The Electoral Commission has published a booklet to support voters in Wales to understand the changes to the Senedd and its voting system. The Guide to the Senedd election contains information about how to register, how to vote by post or proxy, the new constituencies, how to complete the ballot paper and how the voting system works.

The guide has been mailed to all households in Wales and is available online and in accessible formats and foreign languages. The guide has been developed with input from the Senedd, Welsh Government and the Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales.

As part of efforts to raise awareness about taking part in the election, large scale projections have been held at the Senedd and Cardiff Castle with a final projection planned at Caernarfon Castle on 7 April.

The Electoral Commission continues to work in close partnership with the Senedd Commission and will provide support at upcoming engagement events across Wales to raise awareness of the election and the changes.

Manon Antoniazzi, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Senedd, said:

“This election marks an important moment for Welsh democracy, with the biggest change to the Senedd in 25 years and a new electoral system designed to better reflect the people it serves.  

“The Senedd is proud to be working with partners across Wales to ensure voters in all communities understand this change and can take part with confidence.”

The Electoral Commission has also newly partnered with the Football Association of Wales. The FAW will screen advertising of the Show it Off voter registration campaign at the upcoming Cymru matches on the 26 and 31st March to raise awareness of the voter registration deadline on 20 April.

Helen Antoniazzi, Head of Public Affairs and Sustainability at the Football Association of Wales, said:

“The Football Association of Wales is proud to support this important campaign and help raise awareness of voter registration across our communities.

"Ensuring people have the opportunity to have their voice heard is something that strongly aligns with our values as an organisation, as we work to create a positive and inclusive future for Welsh football and wider society.

"We encourage everyone who is eligible to register and play their part in shaping the future for the next generation.”

Rhydian Thomas, Head of the Electoral Commission Wales, said:

“The Senedd election on 7 May will introduce several significant changes to the voting system and the way the Senedd functions. Our guide will support voters to understand these changes, and we encourage people to look out for it in the post or visit our website for more information.

“This year we have explored new ways to share our campaign messaging with the public and would like to thank the partners that have supported us to do this including local authorities, the FAW, Cadw and the Senedd.”

Ends

For more information contact Ella Farrell, Communications and Engagement Officer on 029 2034 6814 or [email protected].          

Notes to editors

  • A Senedd election is taking place across Wales on 7 May. To be eligible to vote at this election you must be a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth, EU or foreign citizen living in Wales, aged 16 or over.  
  • The deadline to register to vote is midnight on 20 April.  
  • The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 21 April.  
  • The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on 28 April.  
  • The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity by:  
  • enabling the delivery of free and fair elections and referendums, focusing on the needs of electors and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and accessible  
  • regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches  
  • using our expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy,  
  • aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency  
  • The Commission was set up in 2000 and reports to the Welsh, UK and Scottish parliaments.