Election Timetable
The following timetable details key dates for the Scottish Parliamentary election and Referendum on the UK Parliamentary Voting System to be held on 5 May 2011:
| Proceeding | Day |
|---|---|
| Publication of Notice of Election for Scottish Parliamentary election | Not later than Tuesday 22 March 2011 |
| Publication of Notice of Referendum | Not later than Friday 25 March 2011 |
| Delivery of Nomination Papers to Returning Officer | Not later than 4pm on any working day after publication of the Notice of Election |
| Deadline for delivery of nomination papers to the Returning Officer | Not later than 4pm on Tuesday 29 March 2011 |
| Deadline for withdrawals of nomination | Not later than 4pm on Tuesday 29 March 2011 |
| Deadline for notice of appointment of election agents for Scottish Parliamentary election | Not later than 4pm on Tuesday 29 March 2011 |
| Publish statement as to persons nominated/notice of poll/notice of situation of polling stations for Scottish Parliament election | Not later than 5pm on Tuesday 29 March 2011 (if no objections are received) |
| Deadline for notice of appointment of referendum agents | Not later than 12 noon on Thursday 7 April 2011 |
| Publish notice of poll for Referendum | Friday 8 April 2011 |
| Deadline for requests for a new postal vote or to change or cancel an existing postal vote or proxy appointment | Not later than 5pm on Thursday 14 April 2011 |
| Last day to submit a registration application form to be included on the register of electors to be able to vote at these elections | Friday 15 April 2011 |
| Deadline for new applications to vote by proxy (not postal proxy), except for medical emergencies | Not later than 5pm on Thursday 21 April 2011 |
| Deadline for notification of appointment of polling and counting agents for both elections | Not later than 5pm on Tuesday 26 April 2011 |
| First day to issue ballot papers in response to requests to replace lost postal ballot papers (Scottish Parliament Election) | Wednesday 27 April 2011 |
| First day to issue ballot papers in response to requests to replace lost postal ballot papers (Referendum) | Thursday 28 April 2011 |
| Deadline notification of appointment of sub-agents for Scottish Parliament election | Tuesday 3 May 2011 |
| Polling Day | 7am to 10pm – Thursday 5 May 2011 |
| Deadline for the issue of replacements for spoilt or lost postal ballot papers | Not later than 5pm on Thursday 5 May 2011 |
| Deadline for new applications to vote by proxy on the grounds of a medical emergency | Not later than 5pm on Thursday 5 May 2011 |
| Last day to make alterations to the register to correct a clerical error or to implement a court (registration appeal) decision | Not later than 9pm on Thursday 5 May 2011 |
| Last day for the receipt of return of election expenses (Scottish Parliament election) | Within 35 days of the date the election result is declared |
| Last day for the receipt of declaration of candidates expenses (Scottish Parliament election) | Within 42 days of the date the election result is declared. |
Please note: unless stated, the deadline is 12 midnight.