A week to go. Cyngor Gwynedd urges people to register to vote

With only seven days to go until the voter registration deadline for the Senedd election on 7 May, anyone who wants to vote must make sure they are registered in time.

Research shows that some groups - such as young people, students and those who have recently moved - are less likely to be registered than others. However the message is clear, it’s not too late and registering is an easy and quick process.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 20 April. Voters can apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. It takes just five minutes.

Once registered, voters have a range of options – they can vote in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf, known as a proxy vote.

Voters in Wales will not need to show photo ID to vote in this election.

Dafydd Gibbard, Cyngor Gwynedd Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Gwynedd Maldwyn constituency said:

“Senedd elections are an important opportunity to have your say on who represents you locally and who makes decisions on issues that affect day‑to‑day life here in Gwynedd. It’s important to make sure you’re registered in order to take part in the Senedd election in May.”

“Everyone who has registered receives their polling cards through the post. If you haven’t received your card, or if you have questions about applying for a postal vote or a proxy vote contact Cyngor Gwynedd via etholiad@gwynedd.llyw.cymru or telephone 01766 771000.”

The closing date for requesting a postal vote is 21 April, and a proxy vote is 28 April.

Rhydian Thomas, Head of the Electoral Commission Wales, said:

“It’s important that people check they’re ready to vote ahead of the upcoming Senedd election on 7 May. All voters must be registered, and some may need to apply for a postal or proxy vote. 16-17 year olds and foreign nationals living in Wales are also eligible to vote at this election, and photo ID will not be required.

“If you’ve recently changed your name, address or moved home since you last registered, it takes just five minutes to update your details online. Checking now helps make sure you can vote in a way that’s right for you.”

Information about registering to vote and all your voting options can be found on the Electoral Commission website: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections and the Cyngor Gwynedd website: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/election.

Notes

• A Senedd election is taking place on 7 May.
• You must be 16 years old or over on polling day, have registered to vote, and be a resident in Wales to vote at this election.
• The deadline to register to vote is midnight on 20 April.
• The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 21 April.
• The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on 28 April.

Information about the Electoral Commission’s research on who is less likely to be registered to vote is available here: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/research-reports-and-data/electoral-registration-research/explore-data-who-and-isnt-registered-vote