My First Vote! - #L2YP News

Written by - Sadie (Year 13)

On Wednesday 8th October, the Welsh Assembly visited a group of sixth formers from the Prefect Team and Leadership Council to talk to us about “My First Vote”. With the next Senedd election approaching soon, on the 7th May 2026, it is crucial that those eligible to vote understand the process so they can participate and have their voice heard. 

We were extremely grateful to have heard from Elin from the Senedd, as well as Joseph from Newport City Council, who explained to us how to vote, what we are voting for, and who we are voting for. We also gained an insight into how the Welsh Youth Parliament is run, and some of their current issues that they are focusing on. After learning more about voting, it is now our turn to inform you, so make sure to keep reading to find out how you can participate in future Senedd elections!

So, how will next year’s Senedd election run? If you are 14 or over, you are eligible to register to vote and this can be done on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. If you are 16 or older, you are eligible to vote in a Senedd election! When election day begins to roll around, there are a few things you need to look out for:

1. The parties running in the election will begin to publish their “Manifestos”. This is basically a list of policies and ideas that they would bring to the table if elected into the Senedd. Even if you are not eligible to vote, or to register to vote, it is still important to gain an understanding of what each party stands for, ready for when you can vote. 

2. You will receive a poll card in the post. If voting by visiting a polling station, this card will tell you which polling station you will vote at!

3. When you know who you want to vote for, you can vote in 3 different ways: in person at a polling station, by proxy (nominating someone else to vote for you), and by post. If you vote in person, the polling station for Bassaleg is usually St Basil’s Church. You do not need ID to vote in Senedd elections either! On election day, you can vote from 7am to 10pm. After this, votes will not be counted, so make sure you find time to have your say!

Next year, the election will run a little differently - Wales will be split into 16 constituencies (areas), and you will vote for the party to represent your area. Ours is called Casnewydd Islwyn, and we are constituency 13. In the end, we will have 6 members in the Senedd representing our constituency; but what are you voting for? The Senedd can introduce laws and make decisions to improve on aspects of life in Wales that affect us all. For example, the 20mph speed limit was introduced by the Welsh Government to improve the safety of road users in residential areas. 

However, the Senedd are not the only group currently helping make improvements in Wales. The Welsh Youth Parliament are currently working hard, focusing on the issues of the cost of living and poverty, crime and safety and public transport and active travel. In fact, we have a pupil from school, Nate H in year 8, who is representing our constituency!

To find out more about the history of the Senedd, and why it is so important to vote, please watch the following video: https://youtu.be/lrYJw1IKRjY. Your vote matters; make sure you have a say in your future!