How to vote
You can vote in the following ways:
- at your polling station
- by post
- by proxy
At your polling station
Before polling day, you will receive a poll letter. This will include your unique electoral register reference number and tell you where to go to vote.
To find your polling station, use the where to vote page.
Voting at a polling station is straightforward. You will vote using:
- a lilac ballot paper to choose your constituency MSP
- a peach ballot paper to choose a party or an independent candidate for the regional seats
For each ballot paper, place a single X in the box next to the candidate or party you want to vote for.
Video: How to vote in the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election
Watch "How to vote in the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election" on YouTube
By post
Postal voting is available to anyone, regardless of circumstances. You can apply for a postal vote for a specific election or for a set period.
To apply, contact your local electoral registration office.
You will need to provide a signature and your date of birth on the application form. This is used as a security measure to prevent anyone else using your vote.
By proxy
Proxy voting is available if you cannot reasonably be expected to attend your polling station on election day, for example if you will be away from home.
Long-term proxy voting is available if you cannot reasonably be expected to attend due to:
- physical incapacity
- employment duties
- attendance on a course of study
Anyone can act as your proxy if they are eligible to vote in the election and willing to vote on your behalf.
Further information is available from your local electoral registration office.
On election day
Unless you have a postal or proxy vote, you should go to your polling place to cast your vote. Polling places are open from 7am to 10pm.
Make sure you are registered to vote before election day.
Your poll card tells you where to vote. This is usually a school or community building near your home.
Inside the polling place, there may be more than one polling station. Street lists will help you find the right one.
At the polling station, staff will ask for your name and address and check that you are on the register.
You can show your poll card, but you do not need it to vote.
Staff will give you the ballot papers for the election and direct you to a polling booth.
In the booth, read the instructions on the ballot paper or on the walls. Mark your vote in private.
Do not mark the paper in any other way, or your vote may not be counted.
Fold the ballot paper, show polling staff the back of it - to confirm it is authentic, and place it in the ballot box.
In larger polling places, an information officer may be available to answer questions. If you need help, see information for voters with disabilities on the next page.
Electoral Commission voting guide
The Electoral Commission has produced a voting guide for the Scottish Parliament Election, which you can view in a variety of accessible formats.