Scottish Parliament Election 2026

A Scottish Parliament Election will take place on Thursday, 7th May 2026 to elect Members of Scottish Parliament (MSPs).

View:

• Notice of Election (PDF 113KB)
• Notice of Election Agents: Aberdeenshire East (PDF 146KB)
• Notice of Election Agents: Aberdeenshire West (PDF 146KB)
• Notice of Election Agents: Banffshire and Buchan Coast (PDF 148KB)
• Notice of poll and situation of polling places: Aberdeenshire East (PDF 116KB)
• Notice of poll and situation of polling places: Aberdeenshire West (PDF 122KB)
• Notice of poll and situation of polling places: Banffshire and Buchan Coast (PDF 121KB)

When you vote, you will receive two ballot papers. One is for you to choose your constituency MSP. The other is for you to choose a political party (or independent candidate) for the North East Scotland Region.

Some areas of Aberdeenshire fall in constituencies administered by Aberdeen City Council and Angus Council. The North East Scotland regional list is administered by Aberdeen City Council. 

For more details, such as election notices and where to vote, view:

• Aberdeen City Council Scottish Parliament Election 2026
• Angus Council Scottish Parliament Election 2026

Key dates

Poll cards and postal votes:

• First issue of poll cards and letters handed to Royal Mail: between 17th and 18th March 2026
• First issue of postal votes handed to Royal Mail: between 15th and 17th April 2026

Candidates

A briefing meeting for prospective candidates and election agents took place on 13th March 2026. View briefing notes for candidates and agents (PDF 294KB).

Candidates standing in this election for each constituency:

Aberdeenshire East:

• John Crawley: Reform UK
• David Ronald Evans: Scottish Liberal Democrats
• Janine Langler: Scottish Labour Party
• Douglas Lumsden: Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
• Gillian Anne Martin: Scottish National Party (SNP)

Aberdeenshire West:

• Kate Blake: Scottish Labour Party
• Alexander Burnett: Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
• Jeff Goodhall: Scottish Liberal Democrats
• Jo Hart: Reform UK
• Fatima Joji: Scottish National Party (SNP)

Banffshire and Buchan Coast:

• Karen Adam: Scottish National Party (SNP)
• James Adams: Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
• N D R McLennan: Independent
• Brooke Ritchie: Scottish Labour Party
• Conrad Strachan Ritchie: Reform UK
• Leslie Tarr: Scottish Liberal Democrats

Voting

Find out about:

• How to vote
• Where to vote
• Voting and elections guidance from Electoral Commission

Disabled voters

We will have provisions to assist blind, partially sighted and other disabled voters at polling stations.

View:

• Guidance for voters with learning disabilities
• Guidance for Returning Officers on assistance with voting for disabled voters

Voter information animation

You can watch animation to get general information about voting in this election. Created by the Electoral Commision.