Voters head to the polls for 2026 Holyrood election

The voting process has begun for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, with residents heading to polling stations to cast their ballots. For those who have not yet used postal voting, polling places opened at 07:00 and will remain accessible until 22:00. Unlike England, voters in Scotland are not required to present identification at the polls.

A notable change for this election is the absence of overnight vote counting. Traditionally, the counting of ballots would start immediately after polls close, but this was altered in 2021 as a response to Covid-19 safety protocols. The Electoral Management Board for Scotland has confirmed that ballot counting will commence at 09:00 on the following day, Friday. This adjustment is aimed at reducing costs and boosting public engagement with the results.

Approximately 20% of those eligible to vote in Scotland have opted to use postal ballots, allowing them to participate ahead of election day. The Parliament will be formed from 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), with 73 elected from individual constituencies and the remainder representing broader regions covering the entire country.

To track the results, the BBC will provide comprehensive coverage. From 06:00 on Friday, its Scotland news website will offer live updates and detailed analysis. Additionally, a live broadcast of election results will be aired on BBC One Scotland and the BBC Scotland channel starting at 09:30, followed by a dedicated hour-long election special on Reporting Scotland at 18:30. Parallel audio coverage will be available on BBC Radio Scotland from mid-morning through to early evening.

The estimated announcement times for the constituency and regional seat results are provided by the Press Association. However, these times might vary depending on factors such as voter turnout, the need for recounts, or delays in ballot verification and counting

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