How to decide which party gets your vote in the Senedd election
Deciding who to vote for can feel daunting, especially with so many different people and parties wanting your support. It’s okay if you don’t know where to start or feel a little unsure about the whole process.
You definitely don’t need to be a political expert to make a choice that feels right for you. Taking a little bit of time to look at your options can help you feel a lot more confident when you cast your vote.
Think about what matters to you
Before you start looking at what other people are saying, try to think about your own life and experiences. What issues do you care about the most? You might be worried about the environment, how schools are run, or the quality of mental health services. Maybe you’re focused on public transport or job opportunities for young people. It’s a good idea to write down a few things that are important to you to help you focus on what you really want from a future leader.
Look at the manifestos
A manifesto is a document where a political party explains all of its main ideas and goals. Think of it as a list of promises they make to the public if they happen to win the election. You don’t have to read every single page to get the gist of their plans. Most parties now create short summaries or helpful videos that are much easier to follow. See if their plans match the list of things you care about. This is a great way to see how they intend to change things in Wales.
Check out your local candidates
Starting in 2026, the way you vote is changing. You will have one vote to choose a political party or an independent candidate. On your ballot paper, you will see a list of candidates for each party. Because of the new “closed list” system, you are voting for the party as a whole rather than choosing one specific person. However, seeing the names on the list helps you understand the type of people that party wants to represent you.
You can look up these candidates online to see what they have done for your community or what they stand for. Sometimes they hold public meetings or online sessions where you can ask them questions. Seeing their values and the party’s platform can help you decide if they are the right fit to represent your voice.
Use helpful online tools
You can find out more on the Senedd Election hub where there’s lots of information about the election, voting and your constituency.
There are websites available to help you pick who to vote for. Some list the parties and candidates in your local area, like Who Can I Vote For. This site is run by Democracy Club and is intended to be a non-partisan resource, meaning it doesn’t promote a specific party and aims to be fair.
It’s important to remember that these websites are not run by the government or by political parties. Because of this, they can sometimes have their own bias or may not show the full picture. Always use these tools with caution and try to fact-check the information they give you. It is a good idea to look at the official manifestos or party websites directly to make sure you have the most accurate information before you make your final choice.
Trust your own judgment
You might hear many different opinions from friends, family, or people on social media. It is fine to listen to them, but always remember that the choice belongs to you. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to how you use your vote – it’s all about what you think is best for your future and the country.
Once you have a bit of information, follow your own gut feeling. Your vote is private, and you are the only one who needs to be happy with your decision.
Useful tools
Electoral Commission – Resources for Young People: This site is a great place to learn about the basics of democracy. It breaks down how elections work in a way that is easy to understand, helping you feel more confident about your right to vote and how to get involved.
Senedd Cymru – Voting for the First Time: This page is specifically designed for first-time voters in Wales. It covers everything you need to know about the 2026 election, including how to register, what to expect on the day, and how the new voting system works.
Fact Check Your Feed campaign: The period before the elections can become very noisy online with lots of misinformation and disinformation being shared on social media. This campaign will help you to spot what’s real and teach you how to fact check your feed so you can make an informed choice.
Meic: Meic is the information, advice, and advocacy helpline for children and young people aged 25 and under in Wales. We offer support on all kinds of topics, and our website is full of blogs and helpful information on issues that matter to you. You can visit our voting section for more guidance on making your voice heard.
