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This guidance is for electoral observers who have been accredited by the Electoral Commission. It includes information on what elections are taking place, who does what at these elections and what to expect at the electoral processes you are entitled to observe.

Find out more about becoming an accredited observer

What can I observe?

There are no scheduled Scottish Parliament or local council elections this year.

However, there will be a UK Parliamentary General Election, but the date is yet to be determined.

Once this has been decided the guidance here will be updated.

As an accredited observer you are entitled to attend:

  • the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers
  • the poll
  • the verification and counting of the votes

We have published a Code of Practice for electoral observers. You must comply with the standards of behaviour set out in this Code.

You do not need to tell electoral officials that you want to observe proceedings; by law you have a right to attend as detailed above. However, if you do tell them, they may be able to provide you with some relevant local and practical information, for example a list of polling stations or adaptations made to venues for accessibility purposes. You can still make unannounced visits or change your plans if you want to.