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Electoral Services

You may think that voting at an election is always the same.  You go along to the polling station and put a cross in the box for your preferred candidate.  However, it may surprise you to learn that in Wales we actually have five different types of election and they all have different regulations as to when they are held, who is eligible to be a candidate and who is eligible to vote. 

As constituents of Merthyr Tydfil, we will periodically be given the opportunity to elect representatives as:-

• Community Councillors - for the Bedlinog Community Council (every 4 years);
• Local Councillors - in each of the 11 Electoral Divisions (every 4 years);
• National Assembly Members (AMs) - for both the Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney Constituency and the South Wales East Region (every 4 years);
• Member of Parliament (MP) - for the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney Constituency (at least every 5 years); and
• Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) - for the Constituency of Wales (every 5 years).

There are also occasions where vacancies become available outside of these scheduled dates.  In these instances, we hold what are known as 'by-elections', and they can be called for a number of reasons, e.g.:-

• a councillors resignation;
• the death of an elected member; or even
• if a councillor fails to attend meetings. 

Although vacancies are not common within Merthyr Tydfil, regularly checking these pages will ensure that you are advised should a casual vacancy be called at any time.

For more information on the election process, please contact electoral@merthyr.gov.uk