Millions of Scots will pile into polling stations across the country to cast their ballot for the Holyrood election today.
The election will shape the Scottish Parliament with the MSPs that the public chooses to represent their local region or constituency for the next five years.
Voting this year will be a lot different to what we’re used to due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Figures released by The Electoral Commission revealed that more than one million Scots have registered for a postal vote in 2021.
Those physically turning up to polling stations will have to adhere by a number of Public Health Scotland guidelines to safeguard people from Covid infection.
Face coverings should be worn at all times and hand sanitiser should be used upon entry and exit into the building.
But there have been question marks on whether or not you should bring your own pen or pencil as part of the restrictions in place.
The Electoral Commission recommends that voters bring their own pen or pencil to mark their ballot papers.
But they stress that there will be a number of clean pencils available for those who turn up without their own.
To cast your vote for your chosen candidate and politician, mark a cross (X) in the box next to their name.
Official guidance from the Commission says: “Polling places will be safe places to vote during Covid-19 and will comply with Public Health Scotland guidance.
“You can expect to see many of the measures you’ve become used to over recent months in shops and other indoor spaces.
“We recommend that you bring your own pen or pencil to mark your ballot papers, but clean pencils will also be available.”
And for those looking to vote in person, polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm today.
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