Animating politics: How visual storytelling can influence the 2026 devolved lections

Elections are pivotal moments when organisations can help shape the next government, and 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for devolved politics in both Wales and Scotland. The number of Members of the Senedd will increase and constituencies will be divided in larger areas, whilst Scotland is boasting 70 brand new constituencies now that the boundaries have changed. 

Here’s a clear breakdown of the situation and why it matters for residents and campaigners alike:

Wales: Senedd reform in 2026

From 7 May 2026, the Senedd will undergo its most significant transformation since devolution:

• More Senedd Members: 36 new MSs
• New Constituencies: Wales divided into 16 larger constituencies, each electing six MSs.

Scotland: Boundary redraw for Holyrood

Scotland’s 2026 parliamentary election will also be the first to use new constituency and regional boundaries:

• 70 Constituencies: Redrawn to ensure more equal population sizes
• 8 Regions: These remain, but with updated boundaries to reflect demographic shifts.

In both instances, some voters will find themselves in new constituencies or regions, potentially with different parliamentary representatives and party dynamics.

For campaigners, this means adapting outreach strategies to resonate across larger, more demographically varied constituencies.

Clear advocacy & Outreach

As we have discussed in a previous article, visual communication during election campaigns can be pivotal. By showing how policy asks will impact the lives of constituents, and society as a whole, animation brings manifesto messaging to life, making it resonate clearly and persuasively with parties and candidates alike.

Animations typically have a long shelf life and can carry demands ahead of an election as well as acting as an evergreen guideline for several years after votes have been cast.

Manifesto animations for devolved elections

The altered electoral maps in both nations, combined with the new constituencies and increased number of candidates will likely lead to a significant amount of information for both candidates and local residents.

Stand out: Parliamentary candidates will be solicited constantly over the next few months and beyond once some of them are elected. A short manifesto video can cut through the noise and make sure your policy asks resonate. 

Be relevant: The visuals can display elements related to your cause and/or industry, but they can also showcase local Welsh or Scottish landmarks to appeal to the local candidates. 

Reinvent your manifesto: Use animation to introduce or reinforce your agenda, elevate your message and strike the emotional chord: a voiceover with a local accent can be another personal touch that will make a difference. 

In summary, vibrant manifesto animations with eye-catching visuals, a fitting music and a ‘personal’ voiceover will make your policy asks memorable, and will work more effectively than webpages or PDFs ever can, especially for busy audiences.