Candidates and Agents

This page details information useful to candidates and election agents at the Scottish Parliamentary Election.

Nomination Period

The nomination period will open on Tuesday 17 March 2026 and close at 4 pm on Wednesday 1 April 2026.

Candidates may only submit nomination papers during the nomination period. Nomination papers cannot be accepted before Tuesday 17 March or after 4 pm on Wednesday 1 April 2026.

Nominations packs are available as part of our downloads section of the website.

Nomination guidance

The Electoral Commission have produced three animated videos aimed at candidates and agents to help them to fill in nomination papers for the Scottish Parliament Election:

Guidance for Scottish Parliament constituency candidates

Completing your nomination papers | Guidance for Scottish Parliament regional individual candidates

Completing the nomination papers | Guidance for Scottish Parliament party list nominating officers

https://youtu.be/_CDCsvU21XQ?si=ptraMchM5VQuSDyN - Completing your nomination papers | Guidance for Scottish Parliament constituency candidates
https://youtu.be/3ox1gjS4h4Y?si=ZMiYV-r-DW1abzr- - Completing your nomination papers | Guidance for Scottish Parliament regional individual candidates
https://youtu.be/eYa-TWnkKjk?si=NYQ8cnaUR8LpXpX_ - Completing the nomination papers | Guidance for Scottish Parliament party list nominating officers