First‑time voter shares her experience as Wales heads to the polls

It marks a significant moment in Welsh politics — and for many young people, it is the first time they will have the chance to take part in a national election.

Among those voting for the first time is 18‑year‑old Brooke Olivia Hughes from Rhyl, a pupil at Ysgol Uwchradd Glan Clwyd.

Like many in her generation, she has approached the decision with care, curiosity and a strong sense of responsibility.

Brooke has written about what it feels like to step into the polling booth for the very first time — and why this moment matters to her.

We are proud to share her reflections below, offering a young voter’s perspective on a day of democratic significance for Wales.

Brooke Olivia Hughes

Growing up, politics has felt quite remote and almost inapplicable to the lives of young people. It used to be something you’d hear the adults debating, and you’d wonder why it was so important. After all, how much of an impact can one voice make?

However, as the younger generation reaches the stage where they have the right to vote, politics suddenly becomes intertwined with the personal, and the pressure to make the right decision is daunting. Every party makes promises, but the hard part is deciding which promises align with your ideal future.

One of the biggest fears among us young people is that our voices won’t make a difference. This consequentially leads to young people remaining silent with the worry that they’ll cast the wrong vote.

Nevertheless, young people’s voices are more important today than ever before. With this being the first year since 1999 that another party may end Labour’s long-standing presence, the future is inevitably changing direction, and we have the power to choose that direction.

It appears on the online poll that Plaid Cymru and Reform are currently in direct competition with each other, and here’s some of their 2026 policies: Plaid Cymru promise to; Cut NHs waiting times and to build a fit healthcare system for the future, unleash the potential for the Welsh economy while creating good, well-paying jobs, raise standards in education and to tackle child poverty.

Reform promises to; improve the sustainable farming scheme, end the ‘Nation of sanctuary’ policy while stopping the use of migrant hotels in the community, abolish the 20mph policy, and reduce taxes by cutting 1p from every £1 on all bands of Welsh income tax.

As a young person who is currently studying A-levels and heading to university in September, personally, educational policies are the most important to me. And as I enter the stage of my life where building a career and life for myself is crucially important, knowing that well-paying jobs will be a guarantee is a great reassurance and gives me confidence for a promising future.

The future is in our hands, and it’s time we make the change for a better Wales.