Engaging with your community and having your say in the decisions that shape your future is one of the most important things a young person can do, and right now, that opportunity is right at your fingertips.
We might be entering a busy, stressful time of year, but student voter registration is so important and takes less than five minutes.
Head to www.registertovote.service.gov.uk, enter your details and your National Insurance number. Don’t worry if you haven’t received yours yet, as you can still register without it.
Moreover, in Wales you can register to vote from the age of 14, so you could even get your younger family members involved, too.
The Senedd Election 2026 takes place on the 7th of May, but the deadline for student voter registration is the 20th of April. Make sure you don’t miss out.
The first and most obvious reason to register is simply having your voice heard. If you are not registered, you won’t be able to vote in the Senedd Election 2026. Therefore, the things that matter most to you could go entirely unrepresented.
Moreover, with the Senedd moving to a closed proportional list system and the number of constituencies and MSs increasing, every vote counts more than ever.
This was something MS for Central Cardiff Jenny Rathbone was keen to stress when she visited the college earlier this month, saying:
I hope every single student is registered to vote, because if you aren’t registered, you can’t vote.”
There are also other real, practical benefits to student voter registration. Registering to vote can also boost your credit score. This helps when buying a home, taking out a loan, or renting
It is also a great way to ensure you have your say in future elections and any potential referendums.
You can pay taxes, make important life decisions, and contribute to your community. So why not engage in the political process too?
Make sure you register to vote in Wales before the deadline on the 20th of April. It takes five minutes, but the difference it makes could last far longer.
