Single Parent FAQs: How do I register to vote in the upcoming Holyrood elections? – Issue 48

Registering to vote gives you a say in decisions made by the Scottish Parliament. These decisions affect many areas of everyday life for families in Scotland.

Being registered can also help with:

• Credit checks
• Proving your address
• Accessing some services

Registering is free and does not commit you to voting in any particular way.

The Scottish Parliament is responsible for decisions about many services that affect families, including:

• Childcare and early years
• Schools and education
• Health and social care
• Housing and homelessness
• Social security benefits run by Scotland, such as Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grants
• Transport and roads
• Justice and policing

Environment and climate policy

You can vote in Scottish Parliament elections if you:

• Are 16 or over on polling day
• Live in Scotland
• Are a British, Irish, qualifying Commonwealth or EU citizen
• Are registered to vote at your current address

This is different from UK General Elections, where EU citizens cannot vote.

There are no different rules for lone parents. However, lone parents are more likely to need to check or update their registration, particularly if they have:

• Moved home
• Separated from a partner
• Changed their surname
• Lived in temporary or insecure accommodation

If any of these apply, it’s important to make sure your details are up to date.

You can register:

• Online – this usually takes around 5 minutes
• By post – if online access is difficult

To register online, you will usually need:

• Your National Insurance number
• Your date of birth
• Your current address

Registering is free.

The registration deadline is usually around two weeks before polling day in May.

Registering as early as possible is recommended, especially if you have recently moved or changed your name.

No. Photo ID is not required to vote in Scottish Parliament elections.

When voting in person, you will be asked to confirm your name and address at the polling station. As long as you are registered, you can vote without ID.

(This is different from UK General Elections, where photo ID is required.)

You can still vote if you:

• Apply for a postal vote, or
• Ask someone you trust to vote on your behalf using a proxy vote

These options can be helpful if you have childcare commitments, health issues, or work on polling day. Deadlines apply, so it’s best to apply early.

No. Registering to vote:

• Does not affect benefits, including Universal Credit
• Does not reduce or change payments
• Is not used by the DWP to assess claims

No. Registering to vote does not affect your immigration status.

Only people who are legally entitled to vote in Scottish elections can register, and registering does not share information with immigration enforcement.

If you’re unsure, it’s safest to register again.

If you are already registered, your details will simply be updated. There is no penalty for checking or re-registering.

For official information about voting and registration:

• Electoral Commission
• Your local Electoral Registration Office

For wider support linked to housing changes, money worries or family circumstances:

• OPFS – support for lone parents across Scotland