The election takes place on Thursday 7 May, and any potential candidates have from now until Wednesday 1 April if they wish to become a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP).

Nominations can be lodged any weekday between 10am and 4pm until the statutory deadline of 4pm on Wednesday 1 April 2026. 

Pre-checks can be carried out during normal working hours. Candidates and their agents are encouraged to submit their papers for checking as early as possible and make an appointment to ensure staff are on hand to help. 

Appointments can be made by contacting the election office on 01698 454745 or by email.

Returning Officer Paul Manning said: “Although the deadline for nominations isn’t until Wednesday 1 April, we would ask candidates to submit their papers as soon as possible.

“To vote in this election, eligible voters must be aged 16 or over and must be registered to vote by midnight on Monday 20 April.” 

If you are already registered to vote and are on the electoral register in South Lanarkshire, you do not need to re-register. 

For more information about how to register and the different ways of voting go to our Registering and voting page.

More details on the election can be found on the council website.