Join/Donate

Election hub

Welsh and Scottish elections are coming

Furious about the shitty state of our waters? You’re not alone. Let’s turn our rage into change.

Our most important natural resource is being treated like crap. Sewage in our seas and rivers is at a record-breaking, stomach-churning high. Surfers and swimmers are getting sick or choosing to stay on the shore. Wildlife is struggling to survive.

But Welsh and Scottish elections are coming on 7th May 2026. Together, we can show candidates from every political party that clean coastlines and rivers are a priority for voters. 

We’ve written a manifesto for Scotland and Wales, outlining our priorities for how the next Governments can end the toxic cocktail of sewage and plastic pollution. You can read these, see what’s happening near you, and how to get involved on our nation-specific pages:

Senedd elections

Scottish elections

Read our manifestos

Senedd elections

The 2026 Senedd elections are a historic chance to turn the tide. We've worked with Welsh communities and orgs to develop a manifesto that can end sewage and plastic pollution for good. Read it here.

Scottish elections

The truth about Scotland’s sewage scandal is still hidden. Read our manifesto for the upcoming Scottish elections, which outlines what is needed to end sewage and plastic pollution.

Election FAQs

The voting age in Senedd and Scottish Parliament elections is 16, so if you’re 16 or over you can register to vote. You do not need ID to vote you, you do not need to have a fixed address, and if you need to vote anonymously for your safety, you can do so. 

Senedd election: Register to vote or Cofrestru i bleidleisio 

Scottish election: Register to vote 

Key dates

Scotland: 

  • 20th April – deadline for registering to vote 
  • 28th April – deadline for registering to vote by post or proxy 
  • 7th May – voting day, no ID needed. 

Wales (Welsh): 

  • 20 Ebrill 2026 / 20th April – Dyddiad cau ar gyfer cofrestru i bleidleisio. 
  • 5pm ar 21 Ebrill 2026 / 21st April – Dyddiad cau ar gyfer ceisiadau pleidlais drwy’r post a phleidlais bost drwy ddirprwy 
  • 7th May – voting day, no ID needed. 

Wales (English): 

  • 20th April – Deadline for registering to vote. 
  • 21st April – Deadline for registering to vote by post or proxy. 
  • 7th May – Voting day, no ID needed. 

Who you vote for is totally up to you and we will never seek to influence your choices. 

We suggest engaging and talking to your local candidates about what they will do to improve the things you care about, and reading party manifestos to make your decision on who you choose to vote for. 

We want whoever forms the next Welsh and Scottish Governments to set out and deliver bold and ambitious plans to end the toxic cocktail of sewage and plastic pollution that’s making water users sick and devastating our environment. 

Ahead of elections, parliamentary candidates will spend a lot of time speaking to voters about a variety of issues, and we need to them to hear about the issues affecting our waters. One way of doing this is by hosting an event called a ‘hustings.’

A hustings provides communities the chance to ask political candidates questions around their plans and priorities for their area. It’s not just a chance for us to hear from the candidates, but rather for them to hear what matters to us.

A hustings can include:

  • An opportunity for candidates to introduce themselves and their or their parties’ policy ambitions
  • A Q&A with the audience or the community – a chance to really dig into the issues and grill the candidates
  • A bit of (moderated) debate amongst candidates

And most importantly, it’s a chance for us to be heard, to demand more and to put pressure on candidates to commit to ocean-saving action. ✊

We’ll soon be announcing some exciting dates for your calendar! Keep your eyes peeled.

Fuel our fight

This is a now or never moment for the fight against sewage pollution. And we're giving it our all. Become a member today to help super-charge our campaigns and add your voice to the thousands of Ocean Activists demanding an end to sewage pollution.