What is the new Senedd voting system and how does it operate?

The 2026 Senedd election in Wales will introduce a new voting system, replacing the first-past-the-post method with a proportional representation system. The total number of members will increase to 96, and voters will select political parties instead of individual candidates, reshaping Wales' political landscape.

On May 7, 2026, residents of Wales will participate in the upcoming Senedd election, which introduces a completely revised method for electing members. This election marks one of the most substantial changes since the establishment of the National Assembly for Wales in 1999, driven by extensive reforms to the electoral framework of the Senedd.

Key Modifications in the Electoral Structure

The Senedd, also known as the Welsh Parliament, currently consists of 60 members divided into two main categories. Forty members represent individual constituencies and are elected using a first-past-the-post system, where the candidate with the most votes secures the seat. The remaining twenty members are regional representatives, chosen through proportional representation across five regions, each electing four members based on party vote share.

In the 2026 election, the system will undergo major restructuring. The current 40 constituencies and five regions will be replaced by 16 larger constituencies. Each of these new constituencies will elect six members, increasing the total number of Senedd members from 60 to 96. The first-past-the-post system will be removed and replaced with the D'Hondt proportional system, which calculates seat allocation based on the percentage of votes each party receives, ensuring a more proportionate representation.

The Role of the Senedd

The Senedd serves as Wales' legislative authority, responsible for passing laws and overseeing government operations. Its functions encompass areas including healthcare, education, and local government administration. The forthcoming election will determine the composition of the Senedd under the new voting system, affecting the legislative direction of Wales.

Voting Process for 2026

Previously, voters were given two votes: one for a local candidate and another for a political party, which was used to determine regional seat allocation. In 2026, voters will have a single vote for a political party rather than individual candidates. Parties will submit ranked lists of candidates, and the number of seats each party receives in each of the 16 constituencies will correspond to the proportion of votes it attains.

This change means voters will no longer vote for specific individuals. Instead, party ranking will dictate which candidates are elected based on the party's overall share of votes, centralizing candidate selection within party control.

Rationale Behind the Changes

The revisions are driven by reforms promoted by the Labour Party and Plaid Cymru, aiming to create a more proportional electoral system. The objective is to better represent the diversity of voter opinion within Wales. Despite these intentions, the reforms have drawn criticism. Concerns include the concentration of power within political parties and the potential reduction in direct voter influence over individual representatives.

Eligibility to Vote

All residents of Wales aged 16 and over will be eligible to vote in the 2026 Senedd election. Eligibility extends to citizens of the United Kingdom, the European Union, the Commonwealth, and the Republic of Ireland, provided the age requirement is met. Plans for automatic voter registration have been postponed, so individuals must register themselves to participate. Key deadlines include:

• Voter registration: Midnight, April 20, 2026
• Postal vote application: 5:00 PM, April 21, 2026
• Proxy vote application: 5:00 PM, April 28, 2026

Polling stations will operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM BST on election day. Votes will be counted the following day rather than overnight.

Conclusion

The 2026 Senedd election represents a transformative moment in Welsh politics, introducing a proportional voting system intended to more accurately reflect the electorate’s preferences. While the reforms are designed to improve fairness in representation, they also raise new considerations regarding voter influence and the role of political parties. As Wales prepares to vote, the effects of these changes will be carefully observed across the political landscape.

Sources:

• BBC News
• The Guardian
• Wales Online
• How will the new Senedd voting system work?