Scottish Parliament Election 2026 in the Edinburgh Constituencies: Guidance on activity in and around polling places
Definitions and who may be admitted to a polling place
Definitions
The polling lace is the building used for polling. It includes the grounds and the walls, railings or fences surrounding the church hall or other building. Each polling place has between one and five polling stations.
The polling station is a room, hall or area in a polling place where polling takes place.
The Presiding Officer (PO) is responsible for a polling station within the polling place.
The Senior Presiding Officer (SPO) is responsible for the whole polling place where there is more than one polling station. The PO at station No 1 will normally be appointed as the SPO and has some additional duties compared to the PO.
The Single Station Presiding Officer (SSPO) is responsible for the polling place where there is only one polling station.
The Polling Assistants (PA) will support the PO in administering the poll, and will also greet voters at the door, give advice and information and support the Presiding Officers across the polling place.
