Candidates and Agents
This page details information useful to candidates and election agents at the Scottish Parliamentary Election.
Nomination period
The nomination period closed Wednesday 1 April 2026.
Post-nomination briefing for candidates and agents
An online post-nomination briefing for candidates and agents took place on Thursday 2 April 2026.
Nomination guidance
The following videos offer guidance on completing your nomination papers:
- Guidance for constituency candidates
- Guidance for regional individual candidates
- Guidance for party list nominating officers
Download candidates' nomination information and packs
Polling information
Polling day takes place on Thursday 7 May 2026. There are a variety of resources available to candidates and agents to assist with their work.
View information and guidance for polling agents and tellers
Count day information
The Count will take place on Friday 8 May 2026 and will be held in Inverness Leisure Centre.
After the election
The Electoral Commission have published a variety of resources to assist candidates and agents with declaring and returning their election expenses.
View the Electoral Commission resources
Additional election information
- Election timetable
- Guidance for candidates and agents at Scottish Parliament elections
- Access to Elected Office Fund
- Electoral Management Board of Scotland: Count Directions Press Release
- Electoral Management Board of Scotland: Directions for the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election
- Candidate Security Pack from Police Scotland
We will continue to publish updates as information becomes available.