You can start campaigning at any time. You do not have to wait until you are validly nominated to declare that you will run for election, ask people to support you or publish campaign material. Election spending limits apply ahead of the election. There is a long and short campaign for all candidates in Scotland and you should ensure you are aware of the rules for each part of the campaign.
For more information on election spending see our guidance on the rules on spending and donations for constituency candidates, individual regional candidates and regional party list candidates.
Regional party list candidates will also need to be aware of the spending and donation rules for political parties. For more information see our guidance for political parties on campaign spending, including those submitting regional lists of candidates for the election.