Here is what you need to know about the Scottish Parliament election

The Scottish parliamentary election taking place on Thursday 7th May 2026  may become of the most important democratic moments for Scotland’s future, since the 2014 referendum.

John Swinney has announced that at the first sitting of the new government he will put forward a vote to the parliament to hold a new Scottish independence referendum (The National). It is our expectation that this will happen if there is a pro-independence majority of any political make up.

This article is here to help answer the most recurring questions voters have about the upcoming election. Maybe you are a first-time voter in Scottish Parliament elections or maybe you just need a reminder. Below we answer the 10 things you need to know. 

However, before we dive into that it is important to say this is not a guide to tell you how to vote in this upcoming election. Believe in Scotland since its inception has not and continues to not endorse any one political party in any election and we will not tell people how to use their vote.

Believe in Scotland’s stance is that this election can be key for the independence cause, so if you support independence, you should use your vote for a party that supports Scottish independence. This is an opportunity for the nation to show that we are on a journey to build a stronger, fairer, independent country.

Our focus at Believe in Scotland is on building the largest possible support for independence among the Scottish population and ensuring Scotland has the right to choose its future. We encourage voters to inform themselves and make the choice they believe is best for achieving independence.

Here is what you need to know about the 2026 election

1: There are a total of 129 MSPs in the Scottish parliament: 73 who represent constituencies and 56 on the regional list vote. Each person is represented by 1 constituency MSP and 7 regional MSPs covering their region. (Source)

2: Constituency MSPs are elected through a first past the post system. Regional ‘list’ MSPs are elected through a proportional representation system known as the D’Hondt system. Eight additional member regions each return seven MSPs. (Source)

3:  At the polling station you will receive two ballot papers. The lilac ballot paper lists the name of all the candidates standing in your constituency in alphabetical order. You simply vote for the candidate you support. The peach ballot paper is for the list or regional vote. It lists all the parties standing in the regional seat and you vote for the party you prefer. (Source)

4: Polling stations open at 7am and close at 10pm on 7th May 2026. (Source)

5: Turn out at the last Scottish general election in 2021 was 63.5%. Experts have warned that this election could be lower. 

6: You can find out which parties and candidates are standing in your area with this tool.

7: You can find out the location of where you vote here.

8: When you arrive at the polling station, you will be asked your name to make sure you appear on the Electoral register, in Scotland you do not need to show ID to vote. (EC)

9: Read the instructions on the ballot papers carefully, you can bring your own pen or use the pencils provided at the polling station to cast your vote. If you need any help or make a mistake then please make sure you tell the polling station staff, so that you can get a replacement ballot paper. Once completed insert it into the ballot box. (EC)

10: The results for each individual constituency vote at this Scottish Parliament election are expected to start being announced early afternoon on Friday 8th May 2026 - the day after the election takes place with most of the results expected to be declared on Friday evening. It is important to note that this Scottish Holyrood election is also taking place on the same day as the Welsh Senedd election and also the English local council elections so Friday the 8th of May should be full on for results right across the UK - https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections

If you want to see what current polling is suggesting the possible outcome of the election may be you can do so here: https://ballotbox.scot/scottish-parliament/sp26-hub/