Election Timetable
The timetable contains the statutory deadlines as set out in the election rules and also reflects the directions issued by the Convener of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland.
Download a copy of the Scottish Local Elections Timetable >> [PDF - 68KB]
| Event | Working days before poll (deadline if not midnight) | Date |
|---|---|---|
Publication of notice of election | Not earlier than the thirty-fifth day before the date of the poll and not later than the twenty-eighth day before the date of the poll
| Monday 14 March |
Dispatch of poll cards to electors | As soon as practicable after the issue of notice of poll | Between Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 March |
Delivery of nomination papers | Not later than 4pm on any working day from the day after the publication of notice of election until 4pm on the twenty-third day | Not later than 4pm on any working day after the publication of the notice of election until 4pm on Wednesday 30 March |
Deadline for withdrawals of nomination | 23 days (4pm) | 4pm on Wednesday 30 March |
Deadline for the notification of appointment of election agents | 23 days (4pm) | 4pm on Wednesday 30 March |
Publication of notice of poll, including situation of polling stations | As soon as practicable after the deadline for withdrawals | As soon as practicable after 4pm on Wednesday 30 March |
Publication of the first interim notice of alteration | 23 days | Wednesday 30 March |
Publication of the second interim notice of alteration | Between 22 days and 6 days | Friday 8 April
|
First dispatch of postal ballot packs |
| Between Thursday 14 and Tuesday 19 April |
Deadline for receiving applications for registration | 12 days | Monday 18 April |
Deadline for receiving new postal vote and postal proxy applications, and for changes to existing postal or proxy votes | 11 days (5pm) | 5pm on Tuesday 19 April |
Deadline for new applications to vote by proxy (not postal proxy or emergency proxies) | 6 days (5pm) | 5pm on Tuesday 26 April |
Final dispatch of postal ballot packs |
|
Tuesday 26 April |
Publication of final election notice of alteration | 5 days | Wednesday 27 April |
Deadline for notification of appointment of polling and counting agents | 5 days | Wednesday 27 April |
POLLING DAY | 0 (7am to 10pm) | 7am to 10pm on Thursday 5 May |
Last time that electors can apply for a replacement for a lost and spoilt postal vote | 0 (10pm) |
10pm on Thursday 5 May |
Deadline for emergency proxy applications | 0 (5pm) | 5pm on Thursday 5 May |
Last time to alter the register due to clerical error or court appeal | 0 (9pm) | 9pm on Thursday 5 May |
Verification and count |
| Friday 6 May First ballot boxes are opened after 8am and not later than 9.30am |
Latest day for candidates to receive their invoices | 21 calendar days | If result is declared:
|
Latest day for candidates to pay their invoices | 28 calendar days | If the result is declared:
|
Latest date for candidates to submit their return and agent declaration | 35 calendar days | If the result is declared:
|
Sending postal vote identifier rejection notices | Within 3 months beginning with the date of poll | By Thursday 4 August |
*Although these deadlines are calculated on calendar days, the deadline cannot fall on a dies-non. The deadline will in that case be the next working day.
