Scottish Parliament Election 2026

Scottish Parliament elections choose members of the Scottish Parliament, which has significant powers over public health in Scotland. Because health policy, alcohol licensing, justice, and aspects of taxation are devolved, the Parliament plays a central role in tackling alcohol harm, an issue that has serious social and health consequences across the country. Decisions on measures such as minimum unit pricing, funding for treatment services, and prevention strategies are made in Scotland rather than by the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

Elections are held every five years, with the next one scheduled for 7th May 2026. The outcome matters greatly for alcohol policy, as different decision makers may take different approaches to regulation, pricing, public health funding, and prevention. As a result, Scottish elections directly shape how the country responds to alcohol-related harm and supports affected communities.

How To Vote

To vote in a Scottish Parliament election, you must first register to vote. You can do this online through the Electoral Commission website, and you will usually need your National Insurance number and address. You can register to vote in Scotland from age 14. 

On election day, you will be able to vote at your local polling station. Details about your polling station will be included on your polling card, which you will receive in the post prior to election day. The polling station will be open from 7am to 10pm. Voters receive two ballot papers: one to choose a local constituency candidate and another to vote for a political party, where candidates will be selected from your regional list.

If you cannot attend in person, you can apply for a postal vote. This will allow you to complete and return your ballot papers by post. You can also apply for a proxy vote, where someone you trust votes at the polling station on your behalf. You can apply for both of these methods on the Electoral Commission website.

Key Deadlines for the 2026 Election:

• Register to vote: Monday 20th April 2026
• Apply for a postal vote: Tuesday 21st April 2026
• Apply for a proxy vote: Tuesday 28th April 2026
• Polling day: Thursday 7th May 2026 (7am-10pm)

What are Hustings? 

Hustings take place in the run up to an election and are a space where candidates or parties can debate and address potential voters on different issues. Hustings provide voters the opportunity to ask questions directly to candidates and hear their views ahead of polling day. 

Upcoming Events

Highlands and Islands

• Inverness and Nairn Candidates Debate, Dingwall, Dingwall Town Hall, 24th March, 6.30pm. 
• Scottish Election Hustings, Fort William, The Nevis Centre, 2nd April, 7pm. 
• Chai and Hustings 26: Inverness and Nairn, Inverness, The Bike Shed, 25th April, 6pm. Open to all constituents.

 

North East Scotland

• Aberdeen Student Election Hustings, University of Aberdeen, Kings Conference Centre, 20th March, 6pm. Staff, students and local residents welcome.
• Chai and Hustings 26: Aberdeen Central and Aberdeen Donside, Bridge of Don, Mythri Restaurant Hall, 22nd March, 2pm. Open to all constituents.
• Aberdeen Holyrood Hustings 2026, University of Aberdeen, Kings Conference Centre, 27th March, 5.30pm. 
• Unpaid Carers Hustings - Dundee Carers Centre, Bonnar Hall, 2nd April, 1pm. 
• DUSA Hustings for Scottish Parliament Elections 2026, Dundee, Bonar Hall, 6th April, 6pm. 
• Chai and Hustings 26: Dundee West, Dundee Hindu Cultural and Community Centre, 25th April, 1pm. Open to all constituents. 

 

Central Belt 

• Disabled People’s Question Time - Hustings 2026, Inclusion Scotland, Edinburgh, Assembly Rooms, 25th March, 6pm. 
• Edinburgh Northern Mini Hustings, Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, 30th March, 6.30pm. 
• RNC Scotland Nursing Workforce Hustings, online and RNC Headquarters Edinburgh, 31st March, 3pm. 
• Scotland 2050: National Hustings, Assembly Rooms Edinburgh, 31st March, 6pm.
• Scottish Parliament Hustings Event, Glasgow Caledonian University, Annie Lennox Building, 7th April, 6.30pm. Staff and students only. 
• Hustings for Central Edinburgh Scottish Parliamentary Candidates, St Columba’s by the Castle, 9th April, 6.30pm. 
• Holyrood 2026 LGBTQAI+ Hustings, Glasgow, The Social Hub, 9th April, 7pm. 
• Hustings Event for Women in Scotland, Grosvenor Hotel, 11th April, 11am. 
• Scottish Hustings for Young People, Edinburgh, St Giles Cathedral, 28th April, 6pm. 

 

South of Scotland

• Disabled People’s Hustings Watch Party, Dumfries and Galloway, Robert Burns Film Theatre, 25th March, 5pm. 

 

West of Scotland

• Chai and Hustings 26: West Dunbartonshire, Dumbarton, Scottish Hindu Foundation, Concord Community Hall, 28th March, 10.30am. Open to all constituents. 
• Chai and Hustings 26: South Ayrshire, Troon Concert Hall, Scottish Hindu Foundation, 18th April, 10am. Open to all constituents. 

 

Online

• Prevention and Power: Holyrood, Health and the Third Sector, online, Voluntary Health Scotland and the ALLIANCE, 31st March, 1pm. 
• Human Rights Hustings: 2026, Amnesty International and Human Rights Consortium Scotland, online, 1st April, 7pm.
• ALLIANCE 2026 Scottish Parliament Election Hustings, online, 8th April, 3pm. 
• Scottish Election 2026 - Unpaid Carer Hustings, Carers Scotland, online, 15th April, 11.30am. 

 

 

Alcohol Focus Scotland has published an election toolkit, where you can access everything you need to know about the upcoming Scottish Parliament Election and how you can have your voice heard on alcohol issues. 

Download the Election Toolkit