Why isn’t Merthyr Tydfil heading to the polls? 🗳️
Merthyr Tydfil has a notoriously low voter turnout. In the last Senedd election, only 34.8% showed up – the lowest in Wales! With the 2026 elections fast approaching, we hit the streets to find out why so many people stay home on election day.
First stop, Merthyr town centre. At 9am on a bustling Friday, we chatted with locals, but most preferred to avoid our questions. So, off to Trago Mills we went. There, amongst lawnmowers and coffee cups, we found just one person who was even vaguely aware of the upcoming election. The consensus? Confusion about the new voting system and a lack of knowledge about the Welsh Government’s responsibilities.
At Cyfarthfa Park, we finally found some willing voices. Two elderly ladies shared their disillusionment. Long-time Labour voters, they now feel “lost” with the new system and let down by the party, unsure if their vote even matters anymore.
A 22-year-old passerby shocked us by not knowing what the Welsh Government is responsible for, thinking everything falls under the UK Government’s remit. This lack of awareness explains why he opts out, feeling disconnected from decisions that affect his life directly.
A man in his 40s added another layer, planning to swing his vote to Reform UK over frustrations with current governance, including concerns about the 20mph speed limit and Wales being a “Nation of Sanctuary.”
What did everyone agree on? They’re baffled and annoyed over plans to increase Senedd members and feel out of the loop about what these changes will mean for them.
The real issue isn’t laziness—it’s disconnection. Without proper civic education, especially for the younger generation, voter turnout will continue to plummet, raising the stakes for our democracy. 🗳️
What do you think? Why do people in your area choose not to vote? Let’s chat in the comments. 🤔 #MerthyrVotes #ElectionTalk #WalesPolitics