On the 5th of May, Scots will go to the polls to elect members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs).
Are you registered to vote? If you have moved since you last voted, you'll need to update the electoral roll before the 18th of April. It is important to register on the electoral roll as voting will allow you to get your voice heard in local and general elections. Voting gives you a chance to make your opinions known about matters affecting you, your friends and your family. The government and local council make decisions on issues like rights at work, education funding, health services, transport and many more.
How do I register to vote?
It's very simple, can be done online, and it takes about 5 minutes.
To be eligible to vote, you must be:
• Aged 16 or over (you can register at 14 in Scotland but can’t vote until 16)
• A UK, Irish, EU, or Commonwealth citizen with a permanent UK address
Did you know?
- Students can register in respect of BOTH their term-time and home addresses – but can only vote once in a particular election.
- All foreign citizens, resident in Scotland, who have permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who do not need such permission, can vote at Scottish Parliament elections and Local Council elections.
- 16 and 17 year olds, resident in Scotland, can vote at Scottish Parliament elections and Local Council elections.
If you are not sure in which elections you are eligible to vote you can check eligibility here.
You will be asked for a National Insurance number, but you can still register without one.
All you need to do is go to register to vote page and follow the instructions on the website.
When is the deadline?
The deadline for the registering to vote is the 18th of April.
Additionally for postal vote applications the deadline is 19th of April at 5pm.