Polling stations across Wales will open from 7am on Thursday 7 May as voters head to the polls to take part in the 2026 Senedd election.
The election will decide who represents communities across Wales in the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, and who could go on to form the next Welsh Government. Voters will be choosing from political parties and independent candidates standing in their local constituency as parties battle for seats in the newly expanded 96-member Senedd.
With polling suggesting a potentially historic and closely fought election, many people across Wales are expected to cast their vote on Thursday in what could become one of the most significant Senedd elections since devolution began.
Whether you are voting for the first time or simply need a refresher, here is a straightforward guide to what happens on election day and what you can expect when voting in person.
Before you arrive
To vote in the Senedd election, you must already be registered to vote. Registration for the 7 May election has now closed.
If you are registered to vote in person, you should have received a polling card through the post. This card tells you where your polling station is located.
Polling stations are often based in familiar community venues such as schools, churches and community halls. They will be open from 07:00 until 22:00.
You do not need to bring your polling card with you to vote, and unlike some other elections, ID is not required to vote in a Senedd election.
Even if you have lost your polling card, you can still vote.
What happens when you arrive?
When you enter the polling station, staff will ask for your name and address. They will check your details against the electoral register before handing you your ballot paper.
Polling station staff are there to help if you have any questions or are unsure what to do.
Pens and pencils are also available at the polling station.
How to cast your vote
After receiving your ballot paper, you will go to a private polling booth to complete it confidentially.
The ballot paper will list the political parties and independent candidates standing in your constituency.
You have one vote. To cast it, simply mark your chosen political party or independent candidate as instructed on the ballot paper.
Once completed, fold your ballot paper and place it into the sealed ballot box.
What happens after voting closes?
Polling stations close at 22:00 on Thursday evening.
After polls close, ballot boxes will be securely transported to local counting centres.
Votes in the 2026 Senedd election will be counted during the daytime on Friday 8 May.
As counts are managed locally, declaration times will vary across Wales.
Do you have to vote in person?
No. Voters can also apply in advance to vote by post if they are unable to attend a polling station.
However, the deadline to apply for a postal vote for the 7 May election has now passed.
Voting online is not available.
Accessible voting support
Polling station staff can also help voters who may need additional support on the day.
Accessible voting arrangements are available at polling stations across Wales to help ensure everyone can cast their vote independently and confidently.
