Senedd election to scrap overnight vote count

The Caerphilly by-election count took place overnight

Votes cast in next year's Senedd election will be counted the day after the polls close, rather than overnight.

The election is scheduled for 7 May 2026, with counting to begin the following day.

Wales' Electoral Management Board said more people will be able to keep up to date with a count that happens during the day.

It also said that the election staff will be well rested and the returning officers and their teams have everything they need to hand, and ensure consistency across Wales for when counts take place.

Daytime counts have become common in Wales with votes for the 2021 Senedd election and 2022 local government elections being counted during the day.

Counts must now start between 09:00 and 11:00 on Friday 8 May, but there is some flexibility to allow returning officers to verify ballots immediately when polls close at 22:00 the night before.

"Returning officers and their teams already work tirelessly to deliver a smooth and secure election," said Sheeren Williams, chief executive of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru.

"The clarity given will also help returning officers to recruit and manage the workload of their election staff."

Earlier this month, it was announced that next year's Scottish Parliament election will be counted the day after polls close.