Election 2026 – The Youth Voice Network for Scotland answer some frequently asked questions

It’s only one week until people living in Scotland take to the polls to elect 129 members of the Scottish Parliament and the next Scottish Government. For many young people aged 16 and above, this will be their first time voting in any election. For several members of the Electoral Commission’s Youth Voice Network, delivered by Children in Scotland, this election will be the first time they will vote for their elected representatives.

Members of the Youth Voice Network have worked with Children in Scotland staff to develop resources and inform awareness campaigns encouraging young people’s democratic participation in Scotland. This month’s election marks a big moment for the group and, to ensure as many young people make use of their vote on election day, the group worked with Children in Scotland staff to develop this Frequently Asked Questions blog.

Q. When can I actually go and vote?

If you’re voting in person at the polling station shown on your ballot paper, then you can go to vote at any time on Thursday 7 May, between 7am and 10am. There might be some queues at certain times, so give yourself plenty time to go along and cast your vote.

Everyone in your household who is able and registered to vote should receive a ballot paper in the few weeks before the election is taking place. This paper will have all the details you need about your polling station.

Q. How many votes do I get and what do they count for?

In Scottish Parliament election, you get two votes that you can cast on election day. This is called the ‘additional members system’. One of these votes will be on lilac-coloured paper, this is your ‘constituency’ vote meaning your vote for the individual person you want to represent where you live in the Scottish Parliament.

The second vote is on peach-coloured paper and this is your ‘list’ vote, where you vote for the political party or independent candidate you want to represent your region e.g., Glasgow, Lothian, West Scotland etc.

The total number of regional votes in a region is counted and used to work out the number of MSPs each party or independent candidate should have to fairly represent the proportion of votes they received in the region.

Q. How many different parties or candidates will be on the ballot paper?

Well, it’s different for every constituency and region, and depends on how many candidates or political parties have put themselves forward to stand for election. The constituency vote on lilac paper will likely have fewer candidates than the list vote on peach paper.

Video: Shaun Love from the Youth Voice Network for Scotland explains to first-time voters why they will receive two ballot papers at the polling station – and how each of them works.

Q. Do you have to mark your vote with an ‘X’?

Traditionally, voters cast their votes with an ‘X’ as it clearly demarks who they want to vote for. While other symbols may count as a vote, not using an ‘X’ increases the chances that a ballot paper will be considered spoiled and not considered. So, while you don’t have to vote using an ‘X’, it may just be the best option to ensure your vote counts.

However, you can bring your own pencil or pen if you want!

Q. Do I need to bring my passport to vote?

No, you don’t need to bring a passport or another form of identification to vote in the Scottish Parliament election this May. In UK general elections, you are now required to show identification like passports.

Rest assured though; to vote on 7 May in the Scottish Parliament election, you can leave your passport at home.

Q. When will we find out the results of the election?

Typically, votes are counted overnight following the closing of the polls at 10pm, the rolling news coverage well into the morning announcing the first constituencies and regions to complete their vote counts.

This election, things will be different. Counting votes will not being until Friday 8 May, with first announcements likely to take place by lunchtime. Full results are not expected to be clear until Saturday!