Voter information for Scottish Parliament election

Published: 4th May 2021

Person posting ballot into box

The Scottish Parliament election takes place on Thursday 6 May

Polling stations will be open from 7am-10pm.

Key things to remember

  • You do not need to take your poll card to your polling place
  • You can check where your polling place is online
  • Do not visit a polling place if you are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 or should be self-isolating
  • You must wear a face covering in polling places, unless exempt
  • Follow the instructions of staff – polling places may be set up differently to normal or have one way systems in operation
  • Take your own pen or pencil if you can
  • Only one person/household will be allowed in a polling station at time
  • Maintain social distancing from other voters and election staff at all times

To vote in a Scottish Parliament election, you must be:

  • aged 16 or over on the day of the election
  • a UK, qualifying Commonwealth or European Union citizen, or a qualifying foreign citizen who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need such permission
  • resident at an address in Scotland and
  • on the electoral register

Emergency proxy votes

In an emergency, or where you are required to self-isolate due to COVID-19, you can appoint an emergency proxy up until 5pm on polling day. Application forms can be found on the Electoral Commission website.

More information

If you require assistance or have an urgent query about casting your vote, please contact the Electoral Registration Officer on 01835 825100.

More information about the COVID-19 measures in place in polling places can be found online.