Press Release – 23rd February 2026 – Scottish Parliamentary Elections

Voters urged to register to vote before it’s too late

With less than 8 weeks to go until the voter registration deadline for the Scottish Parliamentary election on 7 May, anyone who wants to vote must make sure they are registered in time.

Research shows that some groups, including young people, students and those who have recently moved, are less likely to be registered than others. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 20 April. Voters can apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. It takes just five minutes.

Once registered, voters have a range of options – they can vote in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf, known as a proxy vote. Voters in Scotland will not need to show photo ID to vote in this election.

Mark Docherty, Electoral Registration Officer for Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling, said:

“Don’t lose your chance to have your say at the Scottish Parliamentary election in May. Scottish Parliamentary elections are an important opportunity to have your say on who represents you and makes decisions about issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling.

“If you’re in doubt about whether you need to register to vote or have questions about how to apply for a postal or proxy vote, you can contact our office by email at [email protected] or by calling 01786 892289. More information is also on our website

www.centralscotland-vjb.gov.uk/scottishparliamentaryelections

Niki Nixon, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said:

“It’s important that people check they’re ready to vote ahead of the upcoming Scottish Parliamentary election on 7 May. All voters must be registered, and some may need to apply for a postal or proxy vote. 16-17 year olds and New Scots living in Scotland are also eligible to vote at this election, and photo ID will not be required.

“If you’ve recently changed your name, address or moved home since you last registered, it takes just five minutes to update your details online. Checking now helps make sure you can vote in a way that’s right for you.

Clear, trusted information about registering to vote and all your voting options can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website.

Ends

For more information contact Andy Hunter at Central Scotland on 01786 892289 or [email protected]. The Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, or [email protected]

Notes to editors

• A Scottish Parliamentary election is taking place across Scotland on 7 May. You must be 16 years old or over on polling day and resident in Scotland to vote at this election.
• The deadline to register to vote is midnight on 20 April.
• The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 21 April.
• The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on 28 April.