Guidance for Returning Officers administering a Scottish Parliament election

Nomination papers must be delivered to the location specified on the relevant notice of election.1

For the constituency contest, the location you choose must be:2

• in the constituency, or
• in the local government area (or, if more than one, any of the local government areas) in which the constituency is situated, or
• in any local government area adjoining any of the local government areas in which the constituency is situated

For the regional contest, the location must be in the region.3

The location included on the notice of election for the delivery of nomination papers should be exact, and include any room name or number. This ensures there can be no doubt about where nomination papers should be delivered.

As CRO or RRO, as applicable, you should: 

• ensure only you and your staff take delivery of nominations at the specified location
• clearly signpost the location from the building entrance
• ensure the route is fully accessible, or there is an appropriately signposted alternative
• give details to other council staff, such as reception staff, of what to do if a person tries to deliver a nomination paper to them, making it clear that they:
  • should not handle nomination papers
  • should not offer to deliver them
  • should instead direct the person delivering the forms to you

You or an appointed depute must be present throughout the period for nominations.4