The Electoral Register
Scottish Parliamentary election
Scottish Parliamentary election – 7 May 2026 The Scottish Parliamentary election is scheduled to take place on Thursday 7 May 2026. The timetable for key deadlines is below: Event Deadline date Deadline for receiving applications for registration Monday 20 April 2026 (midnight) Deadline for receiving new postal vote and postal proxy applications, and for changes […]
Register to vote
If you are on the electoral register you will be sent a poll card just before an election. You can vote:
•In person
•By post
•By proxy
Postal voting
On 31 October 2023 the way you apply for a postal vote changed. You are now required to make separate applications to vote by post in both UK Parliament and Scottish Parliament and council elections. For UK Parliament Elections: the easiest way is to apply online at gov.uk/apply-postal-vote. You are required to upload a clear […]
Proxy voting
The Elections Act 2022 has introduced several changes to voting and electoral processes. You will now need to provide your date of birth, National Insurance number and signature on your proxy application. Applications for a long-term proxy vote for overseas voters, Crown Servant & British Council employees or Members of the Armed Forces can be made […]
Emergency proxy voting
In some circumstances, an emergency proxy may be granted by the Electoral Registration Officer if you are unable to vote in person due to the following: In the case of a medical condition, illness or disability arising after the deadline for ordinary proxy applications Are a mental health patient detained under civil powers If your […]
Overseas Electors
Changes to voting in UK Parliament elections from overseas In 2022, the UK Parliament passed the Elections Act, which made several changes to the UK’s electoral system. These changes include the removal of the 15-year limit on the rights of eligible British citizens to vote in UK Parliament elections. Do you have friends or family […]
Electoral Register and Open Register
Electoral Registration Officers keep two registers using information received from the public:
•The Electoral Register
•The Open Register (previously known as the Edited Register)
Canvass 2026
Annual Canvass of Electors 2026 Further information will be published in due course.
