The following timetable details key dates for the local council elections in Scotland which are due to be held on Thursday, 3 May 2012:
| Proceeding |
Date |
| Publication of Notice of Election |
From Tuesday 13 March 2012 to no later than Thursday 22 March 2012 |
| Delivery of nomination papers to Returning Officer |
Not later than 4pm on any working day after the date of the publication of the Notice of Election |
| Deadline for delivery of nomination papers to the Returning Officer |
Not later than 4pm on Thursday 29 March 2012 |
| Deadline for withdrawals of nomination |
Not later than 4pm on Thursday 29 March 2012 |
| Deadline for the notification of appointment of election agents |
Not later than 4pm on Thursday 29 March 2012 |
| Publication of Notice of Poll and Notice of Situation of Polling Stations |
As soon as practicable after 4pm on Thursday 29 March 2012 |
| First time nomination papers are open to public inspection |
From 4pm on Friday 30 March 2012 (during office hours only) |
| 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 Wednesday 18 April 2012 |
| Last day to submit a registration application form to be included on the register of electors to be able to vote at these elections |
Wednesday 18 April 2012 |
| Deadline for new applications to vote by proxy (not postal proxy), except for medical emergencies |
Not later than 5pm on Wednesday 25 April 2012 |
| Deadline for notification of appointment of polling and counting agents |
Thursday 26 April 2012 |
| First date that electors can apply for replacements for lost postal ballot papers |
Friday 27 April 2012 |
| Last time nomination papers are open for public inspection |
End of office hours on Wednesday 2 May 2012 |
| Polling Day |
7am to 10pm – Thursday 3 May 2012 |
| Deadline for the issue of replacements for spoilt or lost postal ballot papers |
Not later than 5pm on Thursday 3 May 2012 |
| Deadline for new applications to vote by proxy on the grounds of a medical emergency |
Not later than 5pm on Thursday 3 May 2012 |
| Last time 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 3 May 2012 |
| Result |
Count commences 8am on Friday, 4 May 2012 |
| Last day for the receipt of return of election spending returns |
Within 35 days of the date the election result is declared |
