May 2026 elections: update on polling station handbook deliveries

The final print-ready polling station handbook for the May 2026 polls have now been published on our website, replacing the reference versions published earlier in February, along with the quick guide for polling station staff.

We expect hard copies to be delivered to those who have ordered them this week.  If you haven’t received your order by Wednesday, 18 March, have any queries or need any further support please get in touch with the Scotland team at [email protected].  

This week is Welcome to Your Vote Week 2026

It’s finally here! Welcome to Your Vote Week 2026 is now underway, running until Sunday 15 March.  

How are you getting involved? We know of some great events taking place and can’t wait to see how you’re marking the week.  

This year’s theme of ‘Why Voting Matters’ gives young people the opportunity to discuss, debate and discover the issues important to them and the impact voting has on their lives and communities.  

A range of promotional resources are available to use across your channels throughout the week. Please get in touch with the education team at [email protected] if you have you have any questions about these. If you need more inspiration, take a look at our full range of resources of see how youth groups got involved in 2025.

Remember to share your activity this week

Tag us on social media or use #WelcomeToYourVote so we can see what you’re up to this Welcome to Your Vote Week. We love seeing your photos and youth engagement, and we will be sharing highlights.  

New Young Voices in Democracy research

To celebrate Welcome to Your Vote Week, we’ve published our latest youth research looking at young people’s political engagement.

The research, which gathered the views of 2500 11-25 year olds, reveals what’s shaping youth political engagement and why stronger democratic education in schools matters.

Read the full research now.