Title

LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Wales to automatically register voters

The Welsh Government is to establish automatic voter registration for local government and Senedd elections.

The Welsh Government is to establish automatic voter registration for local government and Senedd elections. 

Under the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Bill - introduced today - councils would be required to add people to the local government register without the need for an application.

Local authorities will be invited to take part in trials focusing on how best to collect data to support automatic registration.

The Government said its ambition was for the changes to be in place for the next major devolved and local elections in 2026 and 2027.

Counsel general and minister for the constitution Mick Antoniw said: ‘Ultimately, this is about making it as easy as possible for people to vote and participate in democracy.

‘Our actions to remove barriers are in direct contrast with the UK Government, which has denied some voters their democratic right by requiring photo ID in recent English local elections.'

Director of the Electoral Reform Society Cymru campaign group, Jess Blair, said: ‘It is welcome that ministers are looking at how to make voting easier for people, removing barriers that we know many people face.'

LOCAL DEMOCRACY

When change doesn't take root

By Blair McPherson | 23 February 2026

The values and beliefs that the organisation encourages can change in the same way as priorities change and the person at the top who sets the tone changes, ...

LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Government announces £4bn SEND overhaul

By Joe Lepper | 23 February 2026

A £4bn ‘generational’ overhaul of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support has been announced by the Government.

LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Neighbourhood watch

By David Blackman | 20 February 2026

With the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund expiring imminently, the launch of the Pride in Place programme has placed a renewed focus on neighbourhood regeneration...

LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Calls to indemnify officers after U-turn debacle

By Martin Ford | 19 February 2026

Ministers are facing calls to indemnify returning officers as councils scramble to organise local elections following the Government’s U-turn on postponement...

Popular articles by Ellie Ames