This guidance has been produced based on, and should be read in accordance with, the requirements set out in the following legislation (as amended):
Representation of the People Acts 1983, 1985 and 2000
Scotland Acts 1998 and 2012
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
Representation of the People (Scotland) Regulations 2001
Scottish Parliament (Constituencies) Act 2004
Electoral Administration Act 2006
Political Parties and Elections Act 2009
Local Electoral Administration (Scotland) Act 2011
Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013
The Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Act 2015
The Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) Order 2015
The Scottish Parliament Elections (Regional Returning Officers and Constituency Returning Officers) Order 2025
The Scottish Parliament Elections (Returning Officer Fees and Charges) Regulations 2021 (due to be updated)
Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Act 2020
Scottish Elections Reform Act 2020
The Scottish Parliament (Disqualification) Order 2025
Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025
Scottish Parliament (Constituencies and Regions) Order 2025
The Scottish Parliament (Disqualification of Members of the House of Commons) Regulations 2025
The Scottish Parliament (Disqualification of Members of the House of Lords) Regulations 2025
The Scottish Parliament (Disqualification of Councillors) Regulations 2025
The list above includes only the legislation that makes provision in areas that this guidance relates to and the legislation that is currently in force.
Data protection legislation applies to the processing of all personal data. CROs and RROs are personally responsible for ensuring that they comply with the requirements of data protection legislation. We have published guidance to support you in meeting your obligations under data protection legislation, as it relates to your electoral administration responsibilities.
You are also required to have regard to the public sector equality duty contained in Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 when carrying out your duties.1