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Elections

We administer the following elections in Orkney:

  • Local (council) elections
  • Community council elections
  • Scottish Parliamentary (constituency and list) elections
  • Westminster (General/UK) elections and referendums
  • By-elections when a councillor, MP or MSP dies or resigns
  • Special elections such as referendums and community-related elections
Ways to vote
Previous elections

Register to vote

To vote in any election in Scotland, you must be registered. You can check your registration status, find out where your polling station is, or register to vote at:

Register to vote, GOV.UK

You can also contact the Orkney Electoral Registration Office for queries about your registration:

Electoral Registration Office

01856 876222
ero@orkney.gov.uk

Polling station map

The map below shows the polling zones for Orkney. Note that these are visual approximations, always refer to your polling card for your actual polling station.

FAQs

How do I register to vote?

You must register to vote before you can cast a ballot in any election. You can register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact:

Electoral Registration Office

01856 876222
ero@orkney.gov.uk

How do I contact the Election Office?

Can I vote by post?

Yes. You can apply for a postal vote by visiting www.orkney-shetland-vjb.co.uk and downloading an application form. Postal vote deadlines are published when elections are announced.

Can someone else vote on my behalf?

Yes, by appointing a proxy. You need to apply before the relevant deadline, which is published when an election is announced. Your proxy can either vote in person or by post.

What if I become homeless or need an emergency proxy vote?

In certain circumstances, if an emergency prevents you from voting in person (for example, needing to self-isolate), you can apply for an emergency proxy vote up to 5pm on polling day. Contact the Electoral Registration Office or your local authority for more information.

What accessibility support is available?

All polling stations must provide a large print copy of the ballot paper and a tactile voting device (if you have sight loss). You can also take a companion with you or ask polling staff to help you vote.

Can I bring my phone or other assistive technology into the polling booth?

Yes. You are allowed to use phones, magnifiers, text-to-speech apps, or any other assistive technology to help you vote.

What do these election terms mean?

  • Candidate – A person standing for election.
  • Constituency – An area represented by one elected member.
  • Elector – A person registered to vote.
  • Postal vote – Voting by post instead of at a polling station.
  • Proxy vote – Voting through someone else who votes on your behalf.
  • Proportional representation – A voting system where the number of seats won reflects the proportion of votes received.
  • Single transferable vote (STV) – A voting system where you number candidates in order of preference.
  • Returning Officer – The official responsible for running an election.