Casting your vote
On Thursday 7 May 2026, voters are being asked to elect the next the Scottish Parliament.
In this election, you will vote for members of the Scottish Parliament or MSPs for short. The Scottish Parliament makes laws for Scotland covering health, education, housing, justice, the environment, and more.
MSPs are elected using a voting system called an additional member system. This is a form of proportional representation, meaning the number of candidates selected for each political party roughly matches the number of votes received. Before the election, you will get a poll card telling you where and when to vote.
At the polling place you will get two ballot papers (or with your postal vote if you have chosen to vote by post):
- one is for your constituency MSP
- one is to elect regional MSPs.
You will vote once on each paper. On each ballot paper. Put an X next to the party or candidate you want to represent you. Make sure to follow the instructions on the ballot papers. You can ask the polling place staff if you need help on polling day.
Polling places are open from 7am to 10pm. You do not need to show photo ID at the polling place to vote in this election.
For more information visit the Electoral Commission's website.