Different Types of Elections
There are different types of election in the UK, and referendums can also be called as a way of asking the public a question. As a poll approaches you will be provided with information on the election but you won’t be able to take part unless you are registered to vote.
Local Council Elections
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has 11 electoral divisions to which a total of 33 councillors are elected via the first past the post election method. Elections to the one community council in Bedlinog is generally combined with the county borough election.
The most recent Local Council Election was held in December 2019
UK Parliamentary Election
MPs are voted into the House of Commons at a Parliamentary General Election.
Merthyr Tydfil currently combines with the northern part of the county borough of Caerphilly (upper Rhymney valley) to form the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney Constituency. However, on 24 March 2016 the Boundary Commission for Wales announced the start of the 2018 Review of Parliamentary Constituencies in Wales, and the details can be found on their website.
Except in exceptional circumstances, Parliamentary Elections will be held every 5 years, on the first Thursday in May.
The most recent Parliamentary Election was held in December 2019
National Assembly for Wales Elections
The National Assembly for Wales is a devolved assembly with power to make legislation in Wales. Everyone in Wales has five Assembly Members; one for the constituency you live in and four that represent the region you live in.
When you vote in a National Assembly for Wales election you have two votes – one to elect your constituency member and one to elect your regional member. In Merthyr Tydfil you will be voting for a Merthyr and Rhymney constituency member and 4 regional members for South Wales East. The Assembly comprises 60 members:
- 40 AMs represent geographical constituencies and are elected by the first past the post method; and
- 20 AMs from five electoral regions using the D’Hondt method of proportional representation.
The most recent National Assembly for Wales Election was held in May 2016.
Police and Crime Commissioner Election
When you vote in the Police and Crime Commissioner elections you use the Supplementary vote system. For example, the elector will be asked to choose a first preference candidate and a second preference candidate. If there is not a majority of 50% + 1 from the first preference votes, the second preference votes will be taken into account. If only two candidates stand in your area the first-past-the-post system is used.
The Merthyr Tydfil County Borough falls within the South Wales police area.
The last Police and Crime Commissioner election took place in May 2016.