Guidance for charities ahead of Scottish Parliament election
/This article was featured in the SCDC Weekly - 18th March 2026
Today marks 50 days until the Scottish Parliament election takes place on Thursday 7 May 2026.
The pre-election period, or purdah, will begin on 26 March 2026. This six-week period will see Parliament go into recess and many decisions usually taken by the Scottish Government and other devolved bodies be delayed until after the election.
Many third sector and community organisations will use this time ahead of the election to highlight important issues. Charities can campaign around issues that advance their charitable purpose as long as they do not advance or support a particular political party.
OSCR has published detailed guidance about the role that charities can play as part of the election, while continuing to follow charity and electoral law.
Community organisations also have a role in supporting people to use their right to vote - especially for groups who may already face barriers to participation. The deadline for registering to vote for elections on the 7 May is 11:59 on 20 April 2026. Voter ID is not required in order to vote in Scottish Parliament elections.
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