Types of election, referendums, and who can vote

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Scottish Parliament

There are 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs).

To vote in Scottish Parliament elections you must:

  • be registered to vote at an address in Scotland
  • be 16 or over on the day of the election (‘polling day’)
  • not be legally excluded from voting

You must also be one of the following:

  • a British citizen
  • an Irish citizen
  • a citizen of another country living in Scotland who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need permission

MSPs are elected using the Additional Member system. You vote once for your constituency MSP and once for an MSP to represent the wider region.

Read more about the Scottish Parliament elections on the Electoral Commission website.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Vote in UK elections

  1. Step 1 Check if you can vote

    1. Check which elections you can vote in

  2. Step 2 Register to vote

    You need to register to vote in elections and referendums. You need to register again if you have changed your name, address or nationality.

    1. Register to vote online
    1. Register to vote using a paper form

  3. Step 3 Decide if you want to vote in person, by post, or by proxy

    1. Find out the different ways you can vote

  4. Step 4 Get ready to vote in person

    1. Check what ID you need to vote

    Contact your local electoral registration office to find your polling station or to find out what to do if you have accessibility needs.

    1. Contact the local electoral registration office

  5. or Apply for a postal vote

    In England, Scotland or Wales:

    You must apply no later than 5pm, 11 working days before the election.

    1. Apply in Northern Ireland

  6. or Apply for a proxy vote

    In England, Scotland or Wales:

    You must apply by 5pm, at least 6 working days before polling day.

    1. Apply in Northern Ireland

  7. or Get ready to vote as a proxy

    1. Check what ID you need to vote

    Contact the local electoral registration office of the person you are a proxy for to find their polling station or to find out what to do if you have accessibility issues.

    1. Contact the local electoral registration office

  8. Step 5 Vote in person

    1. Vote in person

  9. or Vote by post

    1. Vote by post

  10. or Vote as a proxy for someone else

    1. Vote as a proxy for someone else