The Senedd uses the Closed Proportional List System to elect its members. This system is a form of proportional representation. Proportional representation means the number of candidates elected for each political party roughly matches the number of votes received.
There are 16 constituencies in Wales and each constituency is represented by 6 Members of the Senedd. There are 96 Members of the Senedd in total.
Members of the Senedd are normally elected every four years.
When voting in a Senedd election, you choose the political party or independent candidate you want to represent your constituency in the Senedd.
You will have a single vote and will be given one ballot paper. Simply put a cross [X] in the box next to your choice of political party or independent candidate. Make sure you read the instructions on your ballot paper and ask the team at the polling station if you need help.
The ballot paper will still show the list of candidates for each political party, but remember, you are voting for a political party or an independent candidate, rather than specific candidates on a party’s list.
The ballot papers are then counted to work out who’s been elected.
For example, if you live in Aberystwyth your Senedd constituency is Ceredigion Penfro. If Political Party A gets 50% of the votes in your constituency, they will likely get three of the six seats. If Political Party B gets 30%, they will likely get two of the six seats. Then if an independent candidate has enough votes, they will win the final seat. These six candidates become the MSs that represent the Ceredigion Penfro constituency in the Senedd.
This means seats in the Senedd will be decided based on the share of votes each party receives.
