Key dates as Scotland prepares to go to the polls
Scotland will go to the polls on Thursday 7 May 2026 to elect 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs).
Don't miss a deadline
For information on the election, including how to vote, important deadlines to register and nominations packs for candidates and agents:
Midlothian constituencies
Following the review of Scottish Parliament boundaries concluded in 2025, Midlothian is covered by two constituencies:
- Midlothian North
- Midlothian South, Lauderdale & Tweeddale
Midlothian Council’s Chief Executive Dr Grace Vickers is the Constituency Returning Officer for Midlothian North. The Midlothian North count will take place on Friday 8 May 2026 at The Lasswade Centre, Bonnyrigg, EH19 2NE.
The Notice of Election is published today (Monday 16 March 2026).
Register to vote
If you are 16 or over on polling day and live in Scotland, you can vote.
- Register by: Monday 20 April 2026
- If you change your name, address or nationality, you must register again (even if you were previously registered).
Voting by post or proxy
If you cannot get to the polling station on the day, you can apply to vote by post or vote by proxy.
- The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April.
- The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April.
How to vote
You have two votes:
- Constituency ballot (lilac paper): put one cross (X) beside your chosen candidate.
- Regional list ballot (peach paper): put one cross (X) beside your chosen party or individual candidate.
Photo ID is not required to vote at Scottish Parliament or council elections in Scotland.
The Constituency Returning Officer for Midlothian North, Dr Grace Vickers said: “Your vote is your voice. Whether it’s your first time voting at 16 or you’ve voted many times before, please take a few minutes to register and use your vote on 7 May. Every ballot helps shape decisions that affect you, your family and your community.”