Scottish Parliamentary election
Scottish Parliamentary election – 7 May 2026
The Scottish Parliamentary election is scheduled to take place on Thursday 7 May 2026.
Timetable
|
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 to existing postal or proxy votes | Tuesday 21 April 2026 (5pm) |
| Deadline for receiving new applications to vote by proxy (not postal proxy or emergency proxy) | Tuesday 28 April 2026 (5pm) |
| Deadline for emergency proxy applications | Thursday 7 May 2026 (5pm) |
If you have received a poll card for this election, there is no need for you to register to vote again unless you have had any change in circumstances that we need to be aware of such as change of name etc.
Your guide to voting in the Scottish Parliament election
The voting guide link below explains what you need to know before the election and tells you where you can find more information:
Your-Guide-To-Voting-In-The-Scottish-Parliament-Election-2026
Information on the election can also be found in the video below:
Accessible formats
The voting guide is available in accessible formats:
2026 Your-Easy-Read-Guide-To-Voting-In-The Scottish-Parliament-Election
Large print your guide to voting in the Scottish Parliament election_0
Support Information for blind and partially sighted voters:
Guide for blind and and partially sighted voters in Scotland
BSL Scottish Parliament election voting guide 2026:
BSL Scottish Parliament election voting guide 2026 on Vimeo
Information
Please note that the Electoral Registration Officer is not responsible for the issue of postal ballot packs, polling stations, or administration for delivery of the election. This is dealt with by local authority election teams. Contact details for local teams are below:
| Comhaire nan Eilean Siar | Tel: 01851 822613
Email: [email protected] https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/council-and-committees/elections-and-voting/election-office |
| The Highland Council | Tel: 01349 886657
Email: [email protected] https://www.highland.gov.uk/elections-voting/scottish-parliamentary-elections |
If you wish to vote by post or by proxy at this election, application forms are available on our website.
Voter ID
Voters in Scotland will not need to show photo ID to vote in this election.
Boundary changes
Some electors may have been advised that they will be voting in a different constituency due to a boundary review carried out by Boundaries Scotland. A press release was issued by the Returning Officer for Highland and can be found here.
Details can also be found on the Boundaries Scotland website. There is an easy way to use the postcode search feature which identifies which Highland constituency you will be voting in.
Any questions relating to boundary changes should be directed to the Returning Officer at Highland Council – [email protected]
