Senedd election 2026: Rural Wrexham and Flintshire voters split across three constituencies
Rural southern towns and villages across Wrexham and Flintshire have found themselves split across three constituencies as they take to the polls for the 2026 Senedd election.
With people casting their votes across Fflint Wrecsam, Clwyd and Gwynedd Maldwyn, what has been driving their decisions at the ballot box?
In Llangollen, which is in the Clwyd constituency this time around, Carys Henderson (pictured) said she came out to vote because she is fed up of being made to feel that the Welsh language is inconvenient.
“I don’t want to have to apologise for speaking my own language,” she said. “Some of the things that have been said on the campaign trail about identity have been scary. I want to be able to proudly speak Welsh and I should be able to, not to feel awkward for it.”
Putting Wales first was a theme at the polling station in town. One older voter, who asked to remain anonymous, said he had been motivated to vote to support Welsh jobs.
His feelings were echoed by two young entrepreneurs – who also remained anonymous – who run a gift shop in town.
“Too many people have to go to England to make a living,” said one. “We should be boosting the Welsh economy and enabling Welsh people to live, work and prosper here.
“Tourism is vital of course, ” added the other. “But local people should be able to earn and spend locally and that has influenced how I voted today.”
Over in the Wrexham village of Ruabon – which is part of the vast Gwynedd Maldwyn constituency that runs to Pwllheli – one voter, who chose not to give his name, said the new proportional representation system had driven him to vote.
“I won’t say who I voted for but I will tell you I voted tactically,” he said.
“There are people in this election we need to keep out of power and the new voting system makes it important to take part to make your voice heard.”
Across in Penyffordd, which is in the constituency of Fflint Wrecsam, education was high on the agenda for some.
Christina and Carl Idden said they wanted to have their say on the Welsh Government to try to ensure stability in the Welsh education system.
“What matters to us is consistency in education standards and childcare,” said Christina.
“That’s by far the biggest issue as parents,” added Carl.
Polls close at 10pm on Thursday, May 7. They will be counted on Friday, May 8.
By Alec Doyle – BBC Local Democracy Reporter
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