Council elections in Scotland
Rhannu'r dudalen hon:
Guidance and resources for Returning Officers administering council elections in Scotland held on 5 May 2022
Guidance update
The guidance on this page is being updated into our web-based format. The updated guidance will include the legislative amendments required for the next set of scheduled polls in 2027. Plans for the publication of the updated guidance will be communicated via the EA Bulletin.
You should continue to refer to this published guidance for any by-elections held prior to 6 May 2027.
Please contact our Scotland team via [email protected] if you require any assistance.
If you want to download emblems for political parties, visit our online database.
Part A
Returning Officer role and responsibilities
This part covers:
- How to use this guidance
- The Returning Officer's role, responsibilities, skills and knowledge
- Our performance standards for Returning Officers
Part B
Planning and organisation
This part covers:
- Planning (including the identification and training of staff, the selection and booking of venues and management of contractors and suppliers)
- How to maintain the integrity of the election
- Raising awareness
- Access to proceedings by electoral observers and Commission representatives
Part C
Administering the poll
This part covers:
- The nomination period (including access to the register by candidates, spending limits and the nominations process)
- The production of notices, poll cards and ballot papers
- Polling station voting
Part D
Absent voting
This part covers:
- The absent voting timetable
- Proxy voting
- Preparations for absent voting processes and the production of stationery
- Procedures for the issue, receipt and opening of postal votes
Part E
Verifying and counting the votes
This part covers:
- The principles for an effective verification and count
- Preparations for the count
- Managing the verification and count
- Verification and count procedures
Part F
After the declaration of result
This part covers:
- Storage and disposal of documents
- Post-election activities
- Challenges to the result
- Review of election procedures