EA Bulletin: 391 Scotland

Further to Bulletin 386 and the launch of the new Code of Practice and guidance for accredited electoral observers, we have also published a set of Do’s and Don’ts for those observing at polling stations and count at these polls.

These summarise the legal requirements and expected behaviours of those observing, including the importance of following the directions of electoral officials and of reporting irregularities or suspected instances of fraud as soon as they arise.

The Do’s and Don’ts resource has been shared with all accredited observers and observer organisations and was flagged as part of recent meetings with key observer organisations and our briefings for those planning on observing on polling day. These meetings and briefings covered the electoral observation process and the expectations on observer behaviour, which have been agreed to by the groups we have engaged with. You may find it helpful to include a copy of the observer Do’s and Don’ts in your polling station material for staff, for easy reference on polling day.

We are keen to get your feedback on how the new Code, guidance and Do’s and Don’ts resource have worked in practice to support the important electoral observation process. Please use our post poll surveys, which will be shared via the Bulletin, to provide any feedback, or get in touch with the team in Scotland at [email protected].

The Electoral Commission is committed to supporting candidates and agents at Scottish Parliament elections to understand the law and their post-poll obligations. We know that after polling day, completing and submitting spending returns will be a key priority and we have an upcoming webinar that may be of interest. If you are aware of any candidates and agents who may benefit from attending this webinar please forward this information to them:

Completing your spending return Webinar - For all Constituency Candidates and Independent Regional candidates

This interactive session will provide essential information about completing and submitting candidate spending returns for the May 2026 elections in Scotland. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions throughout the session.

When: Thursday 14 May, 12:00-13:00

Where: Microsoft Teams - Joining instructions will be sent after you register to attend.

Registration: Complete our form. The form includes questions that will help us tailor the session to ensure it is as useful and relevant as possible.