Votes in the upcoming Scottish Parliament election will shift to a daytime count the day after polls close. This change aims to cut costs and boost public interest in the process for the May 7, 2026, vote.
Why the Switch to Daytime Counting?
The Electoral Management Board for Scotland made this decision after talks with election experts, the Electoral Commission, political parties, and members of the Scottish Parliament. They want to use staff who feel fresh and have easy access to help and tools during the day.
Malcolm Burr, the board’s leader, explained that daytime work lowers risks and saves money. He noted that counts stay accurate either way, but this setup lets more people follow results when they wake up and tune in.
This move follows lessons from past elections. Officials saw issues in the 2024 UK general election with overnight tallies, like tired workers and limited support late at night. By waiting until morning, teams can handle the complex task of sorting two ballots per voter for constituency and regional seats.
The board also set rules to keep things fair across Scotland. These cover ballot paper colors, security marks, and how to number forms. Such steps build trust in the system that elects 129 members to Holyrood.
Key Dates and Deadlines for Voters
Scots need to mark these dates to take part in the election. Missing them could mean sitting out the vote that shapes policies on health, education, and more.
Here are the main deadlines in bullet points:
- Postal ballots go out starting April 15, 2026.
- Register to vote by April 20, 2026.
- Apply for a postal vote by April 21, 2026.
- Submit proxy vote requests by 5 p.m. on April 28, 2026.
Polls open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on May 7. Over four million people registered in 2021, and numbers could rise with new boundaries from the latest review. These changes tweak constituencies and regions for fairer representation.
Voters get two papers: one for their local member and one for the region. This mixed system helps smaller parties win seats through lists. Staying on top of deadlines solves common problems like lost mail or forgotten forms.
Historical Context of Scottish Counts
Scottish elections once wrapped up with overnight counts right after polls shut. Results came fast, often by early morning, keeping everyone on edge through the night.
That tradition broke in 2021 due to COVID rules. Counts spread over two days for safety, starting the next morning. It worked well despite the delays, and no one questioned the accuracy.
The 2024 general election went back to overnight tallies, but challenges popped up. Long hours led to errors in some spots, and resources ran thin. Now, for 2026, leaders chose daytime to avoid those pitfalls.
This fits a bigger push for modern elections. Recent boundary updates from 2025 aim to match population shifts. Together, these steps make the process smoother and more reliable for all.
Current Polling Trends and Projections
Polls show the Scottish National Party holds a strong lead as the election nears. Recent surveys put them at about 35 percent on the constituency vote, well ahead of rivals.
Reform UK has climbed fast, hitting around 18 percent in some polls. Labour sits at 19 percent, while Conservatives and Liberal Democrats trail at 11 percent and 10 percent each. Greens hover near 7 percent.
Here is a table of average voting intentions from recent polls as of October 2025:
| Party | Constituency Vote | Regional Vote |
|---|---|---|
| SNP | 35% | 29% |
| Labour | 19% | 18% |
| Reform UK | 18% | 18% |
| Conservatives | 11% | 12% |
| Liberal Democrats | 10% | 11% |
| Greens | 7% | 10% |
Seat projections give SNP 62 spots, short of the 65 needed for a majority but enough to lead. Reform could grab 18, a big jump from before. These numbers come from averages across firms like Survation and Find Out Now.
A fresh independence poll shows 52 percent support, up lately. This could sway votes, as SNP ties gains to that goal. Yet, low turnout in past votes, like the 2024 by election dips, reminds parties to rally supporters.
Public and Political Reactions
Many welcome the daytime shift for its practical side. It means better staffed counts and results shared when most folks can watch, not just night owls.
Some miss the thrill of all night coverage. On social media, fans of election nights say it feels less exciting without the drama of bleary eyed announcements. One post joked about losing an excuse to stay up with snacks.
Political groups seem fine with it after the consultations. No big pushback emerged, though a few voices wonder if the delay opens doors to meddling. Experts dismiss that, pointing to strict seals on ballot boxes overnight.
This change ties into broader talks on election reform. With independence buzz and party shifts, 2026 shapes up as a key test. Voters from all sides should gear up to make their voices heard.
Share your thoughts on this election tweak in the comments below. What do you think it means for the results, and will you tune in on Friday morning?
