As the Senedd election approaches, you’ll probably notice a lot more activity from political parties. Campaigners are all working to convince you to give them your vote.
You might see information coming through your postbox, people knocking on your door, or lots of posts on social media. It can feel a little intense, but it is all a normal part of the process. Understanding how this works can help you feel more relaxed and less pressured.
What campaigners are trying to do
Campaigners want to share their party’s vision for the future of Wales. You might notice different methods of campaigning during these weeks. Leaflets through the door are a classic way for parties to get their main promises into your hands. You might also have candidates or volunteers knock on your door to chat about the election. Your social media feed might also be very active, with people sharing videos, adverts, and updates about the election.
All of these tactics are meant to highlight the issues they care about and what they aim to do if they win. They’re trying to show you why their ideas are the best for your community. It’s their way of connecting with voters and explaining how they plan to handle things like schools, the environment, or the cost of living.
How to handle the information
It’s normal to feel like there is information overload during this time. Remember that you don’t have to engage with every single leaflet or social media post you see. You can take your time to read things if and when you feel ready.
If someone knocks on your door, you are allowed to be polite but say you aren’t interested in talking at that moment. You’re in control of how much information you want to take in, and when.
Keep a critical eye
Campaign material is designed to make a party or candidate look their best. This means they might focus heavily on their strengths while choosing not to mention other viewpoints. Because of this, it is always a good idea to think critically about what you are reading or hearing. Ask yourself if they are giving you the full picture. If a claim sounds too good to be true, it might be worth a quick search online to see what other sources say about it.
Your voice matters
All this campaigning is aimed at one thing: your vote. While it can feel like everyone is shouting for your attention, it’s just a sign that your opinion really counts. Don’t let the noise stress you out. Take what you need from the information provided, ignore the parts that don’t feel useful, and keep your focus on the issues that actually matter to you.
Useful Information
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.
