Electoral Commission
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More than 4 million voters ready to have their say at Scottish Parliament election
The final total of voters registered for the Scottish Parliament election is 4,320,981 – a record number for a Scottish Parliament election.
Those planning to vote in person Thursday 7 May are being encouraged to check their polling place location and to exercise patience if queues form.
Voting should only take a few minutes and there is no requirement to bring photo ID.
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm and anyone in the queue at their polling station at 10pm will be able to vote.
“A significant amount of work has gone into preparing for this election and we are confident that polling day arrangements are robust and ready for this record number of voters.
If anyone needs additional support on the day, polling staff are there to help. Please be patient and respectful as they carry out their jobs.
As always, we will be keeping the voter at the heart of all we do and look forward to producing results in which everyone can have full confidence.”
Malcolm Burr, Convener of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland
“If you become unwell or have an emergency which prevents you from attending a polling place in person next Thursday, you don’t need to miss out on your vote.
You can apply for an emergency proxy up until 5pm on polling day, so someone you trust can vote on your behalf. You can do this by contacting your local electoral registration office.”
Cahir Hughes, Acting Head of the Electoral Commission Scotland
Notes to editors
The total electorate for the Scottish Parliament election held in 2021 was 4,280,785, which at the time was a record number.
You can view the full figures by electorate in the Scottish Parliament 2026 downloads section of the EMB website: Scottish Parliament Election 2026 Downloads – Electoral Management Board for Scotland (Opens in new window).
The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity by:
- enabling the delivery of free and fair elections and referendums, focusing on the needs of electors and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and accessible
- regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches
- using our expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy, aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency
The Commission was set up in 2000 and reports to the Scottish, UK and Welsh Parliaments.
About the Electoral Management Board for Scotland
The Electoral Management Board for Scotland (EMB) (Opens in new window) was established by the Local Electoral Administration (Scotland) Act 2011 and co-ordinates the administration of Scottish Parliament and local government elections in Scotland.
The EMB is accountable to the Scottish Parliament but is independent of both Scottish and UK Governments. The Convener is appointed by Ministers and leads a Board consisting of Returning Officers, their Deputes and Electoral Registration Officers.
Keeping the interests of the voter at the centre the Board seeks consistency and best practice, aiming to deliver results in which all can have full confidence.
Original article link: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/media-centre/more-4-million-voters-ready-have-their-say-scottish-parliament-election
