Pre election period underway

The Scottish Parliament Election will take place on Thursday 7 May 2026. The formal pre-election period will officially commence with the publication of the Notice of Election on Monday 16 March 2026.

The pre-election period will be from Monday until the close of polls on Thursday 7 May.

This means that we need to take additional care to ensure that we continue to act in a completely impartial and non-political manner.

Whilst Council business goes ahead as usual, we should not engage in activities which could impact on the outcome of the election.

Care therefore needs to be taken if organising events or taking forward policies or decisions which could be controversial and impact on the outcome of the election.

Read the Pre-Election guidance document providing advice on how we should approach business during this politically sensitive period.

Should you have any queries in general or would like specific advice on any matter, please contact Tracy O’Hara, Elections Manager or elections@north-ayrshire.gov.uk for further advice.

Published March 16, 2026