Deadline approaches to register to vote in the Scottish Parliament election

13th April 2026

With the Scottish Parliament election taking place on Thursday 7 May 2026, electors in the three Highland constituencies are being urged to ensure they are registered to vote before the deadline for receipt of applications which is midnight next Monday (20 April).

You will receive a poll letter to tell you where to go to cast your vote on Thursday 7 May. If you've received a poll letter for the Scottish Parliament Election 2026 you don't need to register to vote again unless your circumstances have changed.

Voters are reminded that the deadline for applying for a new postal or postal proxy vote, or to change an existing postal or proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026. The deadline for new applications to vote by proxy is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.

Frank Finlayson, the Electoral Registration Officer for Highland and Western Isles, said: "Registering to vote is quick and easy. However, if you are not registered by midnight on Monday 20 April you will miss out on the chance to have your say in the Scottish Parliament election."

The quickest and easiest way to register is online by visiting gov.uk/register-to-vote Further information on registering to vote is available from the the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393 783.

For the three Highland Constituencies of Caithness, Sutherland and Ross; Inverness and Nairn; Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch voters will receive a lilac-coloured ballot paper. On this ballot paper you vote for a candidate to represent your constituency. To vote, mark a cross (X) in the box opposite the name of one candidate.

As well as returning a Member of the Scottish Parliament in their constituency, voters will be asked to complete a peach-coloured ballot paper. On this ballot paper you vote for a party or independent candidate to represent your region. To vote, mark a cross (X) in the box opposite the name of one party or independent candidate.

The Electoral Commission has produced an election guide that is being sent to every household in Scotland to explain to voters what they need to know ahead of the election. All details are also available by visiting the Council's website
www.highland.gov.uk/spe2026