Senedd Election 2026
What is the Senedd?
Senedd Cymru / the Welsh Parliament, is the national parliament of Wales and holds elections every five years, with the next taking place in 2026.
At this election, 96 Members of the Senedd (MSs) will be elected to represent 16 constituencies, including Wrexham, with six Members per constituency.
The party (or group of parties) with the most support forms the Welsh Government, usually this will be with a majority of seats in Parliment, and the leader of the government becomes the First Minister of Wales.
The current Government of Wales is led by Welsh Labour, and is the 13th devolved administration of Wales.
This Senedd Election will mark the 7th Senedd in 27 years of devolution in Wales.
What does the Senedd have power over?
The Senedd has the power to make decisions on issues that directly affect Wrexham students’ daily lives. These decisions shape the support students receive during their studies and beyond, which is why it’s important for Wrexham students to understand how the Senedd works and to use their voice in Senedd elections starting by registering to vote.
These Powers Include:
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NHS services
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Education funding
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Tuition fees and student support
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Transport
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Housing
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Environmental policy
Frequently asked questions
How old do I have to be to vote in the Senedd election?
You need to be aged 16 or over on polling day to be able to vote in a Senedd election.
So, if you were born on or before 7th May 2010, you're eligible to vote in the Senedd election.
You can register to vote in Wales from the age of 14 and over.
I'm an international student. Can I vote?
Yes, international students who are resident in Wales are able to vote in Senedd elections as long as they are registered to vote.
If you are an international student studying in Wales, make sure you register to vote by the deadline of midnight on Monday 20th April.
Can I register to vote at two addresses?
Yes, students are allowed to register to vote at more than one address. However, you can only vote at one address in a Senedd election.
We know that students often split their time between their term-time address and their home address, so it's important that you are registered at both.
Do I need to register to vote again if I change address?
Yes, you need to register to vote every time you change address.
Will I need photo ID?
No, you will not need to show photo ID in order to vote in the Senedd election.
What if I'm away from home on 7th May?
If you are unable to vote in person on 7th May, you can apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 21st April 2026.
The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 28th April 2026.
FAQ's Taken from NUS Wales Info Page on the Elections, for further details of how to be involved in Senedd Elections on a National Union level, check this website out via the link below.
Key dates for Elections 2026
Deadline to Register to Vote
Monday 20th April 2026
The deadline to apply for a Postal Vote
5pm on Tuesday 21st April 2026
The deadline to apply for a proxy vote
5pm on Tuesday 28th April 2026
Senedd Election Polling Day
Thursday, 7th May 2026
