Senedd Election 2026 voting underway - live updates

Polling stations across Wales opened at 7am on Thursday, May 7, for the 2026 Senedd Election, with voters able to cast ballots until 10pm to elect 96 members to the Welsh Parliament. This marks a significant expansion from the previous 60 seats and introduces a proportional representation system, replacing the traditional first-past-the-post method. Constituencies have also been restructured, pairing 32 Westminster constituencies into 16 new areas, all named in Welsh. High-profile candidates, including Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth, Labour’s Eluned Morgan, and Reform UK’s Dan Thomas, have already voted. Welsh Greens leader Anthony Slaughter cast his ballot in Penarth, where he is standing. Unlike past elections, results will be counted during the day on Friday, May 8, rather than overnight. The new voting system aims to eliminate tactical voting, but experts argue this is unlikely. Dr Jac Larner from Cardiff University noted that voters may still be urged to consolidate support behind the strongest party in their preferred bloc, as proportional systems reward larger parties. Professor Laura McAllister added that while there’s no minimum vote threshold, smaller parties risk failing to secure seats if they fall below an anticipated 12-14% threshold. The election follows major reforms, including the introduction of Closed List PR, which critics say will not fully eliminate strategic voting. Voters may still face decisions about whether to support a party’s closest ideological match or one better positioned to block rivals. The results will shape Wales’ political landscape for the next five years.