Newtown voters urged to register now for Senedd election

Newtown residents are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote ahead of the Senedd election on 7 May, with less than six weeks left before the deadline.

Anyone who wants to take part in the election must be registered by midnight on Monday, 20 April. Registration can be completed online in around five minutes.

Officials say some groups are less likely to be registered, including young people, students and people who have recently moved home. With housing and rental movement common across towns such as Newtown, residents are being reminded to check that their details are up to date.

Once registered, voters can choose how they take part in the election. They can vote in person at a polling station, apply for a postal vote, or appoint someone they trust to vote on their behalf through a proxy vote.

Unlike recent UK general elections, voters in Wales will not need to show photo identification at polling stations for the Senedd election.

Emma Palmer, Electoral Registration Officer for Powys County Council, said the election was an important opportunity for people across Powys, including Newtown, to have their say.

“Don’t lose your chance to have your say at the Senedd election in May,” she said.

“Senedd elections are an important opportunity to have your say on who represents you and makes decisions about issues that directly affect day to day life here in Powys.

“If you’re in doubt about whether you need to register to vote or have questions about how to apply for a postal or proxy vote, you can contact the council’s Electoral Services.”

Rhydian Thomas, Head of the Electoral Commission in Wales, also encouraged people to check their registration details early.

“It’s important that people check they’re ready to vote ahead of the upcoming Senedd election on 7 May,” he said.

“All voters must be registered, and some may need to apply for a postal or proxy vote. Sixteen and seventeen 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.”

Anyone who needs to register can do so online at:
https://gov.uk/register-to-vote