Polling opens for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, with voters going to polling stations across Scotland to cast their ballots. Coverage notes that party candidates and leaders from multiple parties participate in the process, with leaders casting their votes as campaigning gives way to election day procedures. Outlets also provide live updates covering how voting unfolds and reminding readers how to vote. As ballots are cast, attention shifts to the next phase of the process: vote counting. Reporting indicates that vote counting gets underway after polling closes, with live results tracking as counting begins and totals are compiled. The main parties highlighted in the reporting include the Scottish National Party (SNP), Labour, Reform and the Green Party, reflecting the competitive field for Holyrood seats. Together, the sources present a timeline moving from ballot casting to the initial stages of vote counting, with continuous live updates for readers following developments during election day.