Senedd (Welsh Parliament) elections 2026

The next Senedd election will be held on Thursday 7 May 2026. There’s lots you can do to get involved.

Now is a crucial time for people with Parkinson’s and their support networks in Wales to make sure the next generation of MSs understand and prioritise their needs.

Why does the Senedd election matter?

Most of the issues that affect your daily life are devolved. These include healthcare (including NHS services), social care, transport and housing. This means the Welsh Government is responsible for taking action on these issues, and the Senedd oversees what the government does. That’s why it’s vital that all political parties and candidates understand the issues that matter most to you. 

Parties want your vote. Candidates want to hear your concerns. And if they are elected, they will often commit to taking action on the issues that matter to you.

There are significant changes with regards to how we vote in this year's Senedd election, and what the results will mean. For example:

• There will be 96 Members elected instead of the current 60.
• There's a new voting system which means you vote for a political party or an independent candidate, rather than individual people.
• Wales will have 16 constituencies instead of 40. Each of these new constituencies will have 6 Members.

Read more about these changes on the Senedd website.

What can I do?

There are many simple actions you can take to make a difference:

• Everyone who wants to vote must be on the electoral roll. To do so, you must visit the UK Government’s register to vote page and register to vote by Monday 20 April 2026. Alternatively, you can find the page by searching “register to vote UK” in a search engine such as Google.
• Use your vote, whether in person or by post or proxy. Regardless of who you’re voting for, it’s vital you vote to make your voice count.
• Prepare for party campaigners by displaying our 2-sided election poster at home, and asking simple questions when campaigners call to show that Parkinson’s matters.

We’ve got resources to help you share your voice, including an election toolkit and a campaign poster.

How to vote

Make sure you’re ready to have your say in the next Senedd election. Here’s what you need to know:

Check you’re registered

Everyone who wants to vote must be on the electoral roll. Registration is individual, so you need to register yourself. You can register online. Have your date of birth and National Insurance number ready.

The deadline to register is Monday 20 April 2026.

Vote your way

You can vote in person at your polling station, or apply for a postal or proxy vote if you can’t make it on the day.

• Deadline to apply for a postal vote or postal proxy, or to change an existing application: 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026.
• Deadline to apply for a proxy vote: 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.

Find your polling station

Polling stations are open 7.00am to 10.00pm on Thursday 7 May 2026. Your polling card shows where to vote and when. If you don’t receive one, contact your local Electoral Registration Office. You can still vote in person.

What to bring

Bring your polling card if you have it and an acceptable form of ID. You’ll receive a ballot paper listing candidates for the Senedd. Mark your choice with a cross (X).

Need help?

Contact your local Electoral Registration Office for guidance on registering, postal votes, or proxy votes.

Find more information on registering and voting on the Electoral Commission website.