Guidance for Returning Officers administering a Scottish Parliament election

Any requests to inspect or for supply of the marked register, marked absent voting lists and documentation relating to the election must be made in writing.

You can find the full list of documents open to inspection from postal vote opening sessions, polling stations and the count in our guidance on sealing and retaining election documents.

Election documents not available for inspection

The following documentation is not available for public inspection, except by the Court of Session or the sheriff:1

• ballot papers
• completed corresponding number lists
• certificates of employment on duty on polling day

These documents can only be accessed if the Court of Session is satisfied by evidence on oath that access is required for one of the following reasons:

• for instituting or maintaining a prosecution for an offence in relation to ballot papers
• for the purpose of an election petition

Any appeal to any decision on access by the Court of Session. Applications do not have to be made in open court; they can be made by a judge in open court or otherwise.

The relevant RO will retain the nomination papers. These documents are not open for inspection after the election.