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Clackmannanshire Council Online

Scottish Parliamentary Elections FAQs

Scottish Parliamentary Elections FAQs

This page lists frequently asked questions (FAQs) providing general information relevant to individuals either resident or registered to vote in this Constituency.

Topics detailed on this page

General Information

What type of Elections will take place on 7 May 2026?

Voting will take place for the Scottish Parliamentary Elections on 7 May 2026.

What is the purpose of the Scottish Parliamentary Election?

To elect 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament as follows:

  • 1 member elected from each of the 73 Constituencies (73) and 7 members elected from each of the 8 Regions (56).
What is the Constituency and the Region which covers Clackmannanshire in the Scottish Parliamentary Election?
  • The Constituency for the Scottish Parliamentary Election is the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane Constituency.
  • The Region for the Scottish Parliamentary Election is Mid Scotland and Fife.
What area does the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane Constituency cover?

The Constituency Returning Officer is responsible for the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane Constituency which covers the whole of Clackmannanshire Council area and a portion of Stirlingshire. This includes areas like Dunblane, Bridge of Allan, Kinbuck, Blairlogie, Cornton, Causewayhead, Stirling University area and Cambuskenneth.

What area does the Mid Scotland and Fife Region cover?

9 Constituencies are covered: Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, Cowdenbeath, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Mid Fife and Glenrothes, North East Fife, Perthshire North, Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, and Stirling.

What voting systems will be used?
Who is eligible to vote?

You can vote in the Scottish Parliamentary Elections if you are registered to vote and are

  • aged 16 years or over on polling date
  • a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth Citizen living in the UK
  • a qualifying foreign national who is living in Scotland and has permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need such permission, including EU citizens
  • a member of HM Forces serving abroad, or their spouses or civil partner
  • a Crown Servant employed outside the UK
  • European Union citizens

Note: British citizens living abroad are not eligible to vote in the Scottish Parliament Election.

If your name is not on the electoral register, you will not be able to vote.

Do I need to show photographic identification at this election?

Voters in Scotland will not need to show photo ID at Scottish Parliament Elections or at Council Elections.

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Registration

How can I check if I am registered to vote?

If you filled in and returned the annual canvass form that came through your door, you should be registered. If you have moved home since then you will need to register again. 

If you are unsure of whether or not you are on the register, you should contact the Electoral Registration Office (ERO). 

I know that I am not registered, how do I register to vote?

Visit the Central Scotland SAA website or www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. You will need your National Insurance number.

What happens after you have registered?

After your details are verified by the government digital service, you will receive a letter advising you when you will be added to the Electoral Register. Should your details not be verified, the ERO will contact you to supply further information.

Once you are on the electoral register, you can vote in elections or referendums where you are eligible to vote.

Different elections and referendums in the UK have different rules about who can vote. This means that not everyone can vote in every situation. You can find out more information on www.gov.uk.

I'm a student and I'm not sure where I should register to vote?

Students can register to vote at both their term time address and their home address so that they have the option of voting in any election held in respect of either address. However, it is a criminal offence to vote more than once in any one election.

I have moved house - how do I change my details?

You can do this on-line www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, you will need your National Insurance number.

I've just turned 16 and want to register?

It is the same process, you can do this on-line www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. You will need your National Insurance number.

I'm homeless/in hospital/remanded in custody, can I register?

Yes. You can make something called a 'declaration of local connection'.

You should contact your Electoral Registration Office (ERO) for more information. 

What are the options for voting in elections?
  1. Registered electors can vote in person at their allocated polling station.
  2. Registered electors can vote by post. You can apply for a permanent postal vote, a postal vote for one election or a postal vote for a specific period.
  3. Registered electors can appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf. See the Proxy Voting section for more details.
Can I vote at any Polling Station?

No. You can only vote at the polling station you are allocated to and which has your name on their register. For more information about your polling place, please view our Polling Places page.

Which polling station should I vote at?

Your poll card should tell you the location of your polling station. For more information about your polling station please see our Polling Places page.

Alternatively, you can contact the Election Team using the details below.

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Proxy Voting

What is a Proxy Vote?

In some cases you may be able to appoint a family member or someone you trust to vote on your behalf, that is, appoint them as your 'proxy'.

You can apply to vote by proxy for just one election, but you must have a reason, for example you will be on holiday or away due to work.

You can apply for a long-term proxy vote, but only if you have a specific reason such as a disability or being overseas.

The deadline for receipt of proxy applications is 5pm Tuesday 28 April.

If, after 5 pm Tuesday 28 April, you are suddenly incapacitated or taken ill, or are unable to go to your polling station because of your work you can apply for an emergency proxy. Please contact the ERO immediately.

How do I appoint a Proxy?

Forms are available from the Electoral Registration Office (ERO). 

Why do I need to provide my date of birth and signature for a proxy vote?

A secure voting system is very important to the democratic process. We will use the information supplied to confirm that the application is legitimate. This serves to protect the interests of you, the voter (the information cannot be used to determine how you voted).

I've been made the proxy for someone and I don't know how it works?

It's simple to vote as someone's proxy. You will be sent a special proxy poll card with details of where you should go to vote. If you are going to the polling station just tell the staff there that you are voting as a proxy and they will tell you what to do. You don't need to take your proxy poll card to the polling station but it will speed up the ballot paper issuing process if you do.

If you can't attend the polling station you can apply to vote as a proxy by post. Application forms can be obtained from the Electoral Registration Office (ERO) - see Contacts section for contact details.

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Postal Voting

Who can apply for a Postal Vote?

Any registered elector eligible to vote at the election can have a postal vote if they wish.

How do I apply to get a Postal Vote?

You need to complete and sign an application form and provide your date of birth. You can download a form from the ERO or contact them direct, see contact details below. The deadline for postal vote applications is Tuesday 21 April, however depending on when your are going away, you may not receive the postal vote pack before you leave. Contact the elections office for advice: 01259 452266.

Why do I need to provide my date of birth and signature for a Postal Vote?

When you get your postal ballot paper there will be a separate statement on which you will be asked for the same details. This is for security reasons and the details must match those provided in your application for your vote to be counted.

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Contacts

  • Electoral Registration Office (ERO) for Clackmannanshire & Dunblane Constituency:
    Ground Floor Right, Glendevon House
    The Castle Business Park
    Stirling
    FK9 4TZ
    Tel: 01786 892289
    email:registration@centralscotland-vjb.gov.uk
  • Clackmannanshire Council
    Election Office
    Clackmannanshire Council
    Kilncraigs
    Alloa
    FK10 1EB
    Tel: 01259 452266
    email: elections@clacks.gov.uk

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For Further Information Contact

Election Office
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 450000
Email: