Elections

Scottish Parliamentary Elections - 7 May 2026

Scotland will go to the polls on Thursday 7 May 2026 to elect 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). MSPs are elected through two voting systems:

• 73 constituency MSPs are elected using First Past the Post
• 56 regional MSPs are elected using the regional party list system

The Electoral Commission explains how MSPs are elected and what they do 

Our Chief Executive is the Returning Officer for two constituencies:

• Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale
• Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire

Polling will take place on Thursday 7 May 2026, with results expected on Friday 8 May 2026.

Are You Vote-Ready

If you live in the Scottish Borders, now is the perfect time to make sure you're ready to have your say.

You need to register by Monday 20 April for the Scottish Parliament election. You can register online or find out more information about registering to vote through the Electoral Commission.

You can check if you’re already registered to vote by contacting your local Electoral Registration Office at Council Headquarters in Newtown St Boswells or by emailing Electoral.Registration@scotborders.gov.uk or by phoning 01835 825100.

If you move house, you must register to vote again.

If you change your name for any reason you can contact the Electoral Registration Officer to request a change of name form.

Voting by post or proxy

If you can’t get to the polling station on polling day you can apply to vote by post or vote by proxy.

• The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April.
• The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April.

Completed postal and proxy votes must be returned to the local Electoral Registration Office, PO Box 13639, Council Headquarters, Newton St Boswells, TD6 6BQ

Get help with electoral registration

Contact the Electoral Registration Officer to find out if you’re on the electoral register, and if you already have a postal or proxy vote.

• Electoral Registration Office, PO Box 13639, Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells, TD6 6BQ 
• Phone: 01835 825100
• Email: Electoral.Registration@scotborders.gov.uk

Being prepared early means you won't miss out when polling day arrives. Make sure your voice is heard in May.

How to vote?

To vote you simply place a cross (X) against the candidate of your choice on the constituency (lilac) ballot paper and a cross (X) against your party or individual candidate of choice on the regional list (peach) ballot paper.

Information for Candidates and Agents:

This section provides essential information for prospective candidates, agents, and political parties wishing to take part in either the constituency or regional contests.

Electoral Commission guidance, provides links to nomination requirements and spending rules.

Key Dates

• Notice of Election published: 16 March 2026
• Nominations open: 17 March 2026
• Nominations close: 1 April 2026
• Prospective Candidates Online Briefing: 3 March 2026
• Online Candidates and Agents Briefing: 30 April 2026
• Polling Day: Thursday 7 May 2026
• Count: Friday 8 May 2026

Qualifications and Disqualifications

Full eligibility criteria is outlined in the Electoral Commission’s guidance. Typical requirements include:

• At least 18 years old
• A British citizen, a qualifying Commonwealth citizen, or a qualifying foreign national.
• Not disqualified under electoral, bankruptcy, or criminal offence provisions

Nominations

Nomination packs will be available to download on Monday 9 March.

Nomination forms must be submitted before 4pm on the deadline day.

Using your internal Nomination Checklist ensures all legal requirements are completed correctly.