The last day to apply for a new postal vote or proxy postal vote, or to change or cancel an existing postal or proxy vote for the Scottish Parliamentary elections on Thursday 7 May is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026.
If you are thinking about voting by post, apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly.
The last date to apply for a new proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday, 28 April 2026. You and your appointed proxy must be registered to vote to apply. In some circumstances, you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy after 5pm on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
For more information on how to apply for a postal or proxy vote, visit our vote by post or proxy page.
If you are likely to be away during the election period, you may want to consider appointing a proxy for this election instead of applying for a postal vote as the Returning Officer cannot guarantee delivery before you go away.
Postal vote despatch dates
Postal votes will be despatched in 3 separate issues:
The first despatch of postal votes for the Scottish Parliamentary elections is scheduled for on or around 15 April 2026. Anyone who applied for a postal vote up to Friday 20 March 2026 will be included in the first despatch.
The second despatch of postal votes will be on or around Friday 17 April 2026. Anyone who applied for a postal vote between Monday 23 March 2026 and Friday 10 April will be included in this despatch.
The final despatch of postal votes will be on or around Monday 27 April 2026. Anyone who applied for a postal vote between Monday 13 April and the deadline for new postal vote applications 5pm on Tuesday 21 April will be included in the final despatch.
APPLY NOW to ensure that your postal vote is issued as early as possible.
If you have lost or not received your postal vote, please contact the Returning Officer for a replacement.
Once you’ve received your postal pack, read the enclosed instructions carefully, mark your vote on the ballot papers, complete the postal voting statement and put these in envelopes provided making sure you send your completed pack back as soon as possible and by no later than 5pm on Thursday 7 May 2026. If it arrives later than this your vote won’t be counted. For more information download a copy of our pictorial guide to completing your postal voting pack.
Lost or spoilt postal packs
If you lose or spoil part of your postal voting pack after you receive it, then you should call the Election team on 03451 55 55 11 straightaway for guidance on how to obtain a replacement. Do not destroy your original pack if it is spoiled, as you will need to return all of this to us.
