EA Bulletin: 405 Wales

The final print-ready polling station handbook for the May 2026 polls have now been published on our website, replacing the reference versions published earlier in February, along with the quick guide for polling station staff.

We expect hard copies to be delivered to those who have ordered them this week.  If you haven’t received your order by Wednesday, 18 March, please get in touch via [email protected].

If you have any queries or need any further support, please contact the Wales team on [email protected].  

Ordering on the ballot paper

We have recently received a number of queries about the order of party names on the ballot paper. We have now discussed and clarified the position with Welsh Government, who are in agreement that political parties must be listed in alphabetical order according to the English translation of the party name or description (regardless of whether the English or Welsh is first).  

Additionally, if a political party has taken up their right to add Wales / Welsh / Cymru or Cymreig this does not alter their place in the alphabetical order on the ballot paper, which is determined by the party's actual name or description.

Acceptance of nominations

We have also clarified in our elections timetable that nominations can be accepted from the point that the Notice of Election is published.

Welsh Elections Information Platform

As the Welsh Elections Information Platform is now live, we have updated the guidance for Returning Officers and Candidates and Agents with live links to the platform where relevant.  We have also included a link to the EMB guidance for the submission of an election address.

If you have any queries or need any further support, please contact the Wales team on [email protected].

It’s finally here! Welcome to Your Vote Week 2026 is now underway, running until Sunday 15 March.  

How are you getting involved? We know of some great events taking place and can’t wait to see how you’re marking the week.  

This year’s theme of ‘Why Voting Matters’ gives young people the opportunity to discuss, debate and discover the issues important to them and the impact voting has on their lives and communities.  

By signing up to take part, you've been sent new resources. Please get in touch with the education team at [email protected] if you have you have any questions about these. If you need more inspiration, take a look at our full range of resources of see how youth groups got involved in 2025.

Remember to share your activity this week

Tag us on social media or use #WelcomeToYourVote so we can see what you’re up to this Welcome to Your Vote Week. We love seeing your photos and youth engagement, and we will be sharing highlights.  

New Young Voices in Democracy Research

To celebrate Welcome to Your Vote Week, we’ve published our latest youth research looking at young people’s political engagement.

The research, which gathered the views of 2500 11-25 year olds, reveals what’s shaping youth political engagement and why stronger democratic education in schools matters.

Read the full research now.