Wednesday October 29th 2025
Scottish Parliament
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A change in voting will see the Scottish Parliament Election votes being counted in the daytime on Friday 8 May 2026, rather than overnight.
The Convener of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland (EMB) has the power to make Directions to Returning Officers (ROs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) across Scotland on the delivery of Scottish Parliament Elections.
Following consultation with ROs, EROs and the Electoral Commission, Malcolm Burr, Convener of the Board, has issued a set of Directions for the Scottish Parliament Election on 7 May 2026 and said:
“Returning Officers and Electoral Registration Officers in this country have a history of delivering results in which voters, candidates and our institutions can have full confidence. The Directions I make today, with the full support of ROs and EROs, will protect that reputation, promoting resilience and giving clarity to voters and candidates across the Scotland about how the election processes will be run.
“In addition to the usual administrative Directions, such as when postal votes will be issued, I am directing that votes are to be counted on the day following the polls rather than overnight. This will add resilience to a complex process.”
Following the close of polls for the Scottish Parliament Election, votes will be counted on Friday 8 May 2026, rather than overnight. This measure will support increased public engagement while increasing staff availability and recognising the operational complexities of the Election Count.
Malcolm Burr added:
“Counting during the day allows the use of well-rested staff with quick access to more resources, people and support facilities. Our Counts are always accurate but working in the day removes some risks, reduces costs and lets us declare the results when more people are engaged.”
The proposed timing has been discussed with political parties, MSPs and at the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee of the Scottish Parliament at their meeting in September.
Other Directions, to give consistency to the electoral process, cover the colour of the ballot papers, the use of an official security mark, the dates when poll cards and postal votes are issued and the way papers should be numbered.
The EMB has taken account of lessons from previous elections, including the challenges experienced in the UK Parliament Election in 2024.
Further information on the rationale behind moving to a daytime count can be found on the EMB website here.
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