Cast your vote in the Scottish Parliament Election

On Thursday 7 May, polling places will be open from 7:00am to 10:00pm. Registered voters should now have received information in the post in the form of a poll card telling you where to vote. Please note you don't need to bring your poll card to vote in person.

You also don't need to bring any ID to vote in this election.

Scottish elections use a proportional system of voting which means that you vote for both a local constituency MSP and for additional regional MSPs.

This means that when you arrive at your designated polling station, you will receive two ballot papers - a constituency ballot paper and a regional ballot paper.

Your lilac-coloured ballot paper is for your local constituency and will contain a list of candidates running to be your area's Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP).

Your peach-coloured ballot paper will be used to elect MSPs for your region. On this second ballot paper instead of voting for a specific candidate, you will be asked to cast a vote for a political party.

You must indicate your preferred choice on each paper by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your preferred candidate or party.

If you put a cross (X) next to more than one box on the ballot paper, your vote will be considered a 'spoilt ballot' and will not be counted. Once you have completed your ballot papers, fold and put them into the appropriate ballot box - there will be one ballot box for the constituency vote and another for the regional vote.

Replacement ballot papers are available from polling station staff if you make a mistake.

Pencils will be provided. You can bring your own pen or pencil if you want.

Staff in the polling places will be available to provide any support you may need. Arrangements will also be in place in polling stations to assist those with accessibility requirements.

Arrangements are available in the polling stations for voters who need help with reading the ballot paper or marking it.

Photos must not be taken inside the polling station.

Registered postal voters cannot be issued with ballot papers at the polling station, but they can return their completed postal ballot pack to their polling station on polling day by 10pm. Alternatively, they hand deliver their postal vote to polling stations in the constituency or to West Lothian Civic Centre in Livingston.

Emergency proxy applications can be made up until 5pm on polling day. This is when you can appoint another individual to vote on your behalf. The grounds for issuing an emergency proxy vote are limited. Applications must be made to the Electoral Registration Officer at Lothian Valuation Joint Board (https://www.lothian-vjb.gov.uk/electoral-forms/) or by sending complete applications to 17A South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 9FL or calling 0131 344 2500.

For more on the election please visit the West Lothian Council website - https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/spelection2026