All you need to know about having your say on 6 May

Scotland goes to the polls on Thursday 6 May 2021 to vote in one of the most important elections in history.

The past year has changed us all – it has changed Scotland. As we come out of this pandemic, we must focus on solutions. Solutions which will deliver a fairer recovery and ensure that Scotland comes back a better, stronger, fairer nation than the one that went into lockdown last year.


All you need to know about voting by post

This election will take place under extraordinary circumstances. The safest way to vote in the current circumstances is by post. Here’s everything you need to know about voting by post:

How does it work?

It’s vital to make sure you are register to vote in this election before applying for a postal vote, you can register to vote here.

Once you’ve registered we’ve created a handy tool on our website which lets you easily apply for a postal vote.

Alternatively, you can contact your local Electoral Registration Office and ask them to post a form to you.

Once you’ve filled out your form simply post it to your local Electoral Registration Office.

When registering for a postal vote, you fill in a form with your name, address, date of birth and how long you want the postal vote for — just for one election, until a specified date, or permanently.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote for the election is 5pm on Tuesday 6 April.

A few days before the election on Thursday 6 May you will receive your postal ballot — all you need to do is follow the instructions, fill out the ballot paper stick the supplied envelope in a post box.

Your local council will verify that all postal votes have been correctly filled out at a Postal Vote Opening Session. Agents from all registered political interests are invited to attend and observe these sessions, making sure that everything is fair and above board.

This is a safe and secure way to ensure your voice is heard.

However you do it, make sure you vote

As we come out of this pandemic, we must focus on solutions. Solutions which will deliver a fairer recovery and ensure that Scotland comes back a better, stronger, fairer nation than the one that went into lockdown last year.

With so much at stake, this will be one of the most important elections in Scotland’s history. Scottish Labour is the only party focused on our national recovery, and working together for a better Scotland.

Make sure you’re ready to vote — and ask your friends and family to do the same.

Register to vote today — and register for a postal ballot here.

Why #BothVotesLabour really matters

With the pandemic still with us, Scottish Labour believes Scotland needs politicians working together again on a plan for national recovery.

That won’t happen if Alex Salmond holds the balance of power, or if the Tories are the main opposition. We will end up immediately focussed on arguing about another independence referendum. Scotland deserves better.

We need better government, and a better opposition.

At this election, you can vote for a Parliament where we all work in the national interest to deliver a better future for Scotland. You have the power to do this, and get politicians working together again in Scotland.

Here’s how:

You get two votes at this election. Use both of your votes for Scottish Labour, and together we can get our parliament focussed on what unites us, not what divides us.

Chip in to our election fund