Polls open for voting in Senedd election

News imageBBC A dog tied to a polling station signBBC
Proud Labrador-collie cross Roux at Leckwith Avenue, Cardiff, polling station on Thursday

Polling stations have opened across Wales for voting in the Senedd election.

Members of the Senedd (MSs) will be elected across 16 constituencies using a new voting system as the number of politicians in Cardiff Bay increases from 60 to 96.

Six politicians will be elected to represent each constituency, split roughly according to the proportion of votes parties receive in the seat.

The polls close at 22:00 BST on Thursday with counting taking place during the day on Friday and full coverage of the results across BBC Wales online, television and radio.

News imageDarren Millar
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Darren Millar

Unlike Westminster elections, you do not need to bring ID or your polling card with you to vote.

News imageEluned Morgan
Leader of Welsh Labour Eluned Morgan

This is the second Welsh parliamentary election allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to take part.

News imageDan Thomas
Dan Thomas, leader of Reform UK Wales

Another change at this election is that voters cast their ballot once, for a political party or independent candidate.

News imageRhun ap Iorwerth
Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru

At previous Senedd elections there were two votes - one for a candidate and another one for a political party.

News imageJane Dodds
Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats

Elections are also taking place to the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, and local elections and mayoral contests are happening in some parts of England.

News imageAnthony Slaughter
Anthony Slaughter, leader of the Welsh Green Party