Scottish Parliament Election – Quick Guide

The next Scottish Parliament election will take place on Wednesday 7 May 2026. Voters across Scotland will elect Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) to represent them at Holyrood.

What is the Scottish Parliament?
The Scottish Parliament is the devolved legislature for Scotland. It makes laws on many areas affecting daily life, including:
• Health and health services
• Education
• Tourism
• Economic development
• Policing and other devolved powers
 
Some issues remain the responsibility of the UK Parliament at Westminster, including defence, immigration, fiscal policy, and copyright law.
 
Who Can Vote?
 You can vote if you:
• Are aged 16 or over
• Live in Scotland
• Are registered to vote
• You must be a British or Irish citizen, or a foreign national legally permitted to stay in the UK.
 
Register to vote here:
https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote 
Registration deadline: Monday 20 April
 
If You Can’t Vote in Person 
 If you are working or unavailable on election day, you can still vote by: 
• Postal vote – apply before the deadline
• Proxy vote – nominate someone you trust to vote on your behalf

Voting Information
• Polling date: Wednesday 7 May 2026
• Polling hours: 7:00am – 10:00pm
• Photo ID is NOT required for Scottish Parliament elections
 
How the Election Works
There are 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs):
• 73 constituency MSPs elected using first past the post
• 56 regional MSPs elected through proportional representation
 
On election day you will cast two votes:
• One for a constituency candidate
• One for a regional party or candidate
 
Find your constituency and candidates here:
https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/elections/sp.c.2026-05-07/scottish-parliament-elections-constituencies/ 
 
Regional candidates:
https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/elections/sp.r.2026-05-07/scottish-parliament-elections-regions/ 
 
An MSPs guide to paramedicine in Scotland
Have a look at our guide for politicians and political parties, share them with your candidates to help them understand the profession. Download here