Upcoming Scottish Elections

[JeannieDark]

In the last few elections I’ve spoiled my ballot in frustration at the lack of local candidates who believe that women don’t have penises. Historically I would have always voted for the Lib Dems or Labour. Realistically in my seat no-one is likely to beat the LibDems (Alex Cole Hamilton’s seat) but I’m wondering if there is anyone/any party with sensible left leaning policies who doesn’t believe in gender woo.
Has anyone else seen anyone that could be worth voting for?

Sorry Op, I am in the same boat, different constituency. I try to focus on voting for the person, but this time, I think the choice will be abysmal.

Would be the same for Westminster elections.

My local labour candidate is a retired breast cancer surgeon who I had to see quite a few years ago. I wasn’t sure who to vote gor until I got his leaflet. The Scottish Greens are utter crackpots, Shouty Swinney-nope, I will never vote Tory so it was difficult.

I'm in the same place as you OP, ACH seems undefeatable doesn't he - no idea why he's so wedded to the gender ideology. I vote for the least worst person.

Here in Argyll&Bute the SNP is unassailable it seems, Jenni Minto 🙄

I will vote for whoever is most likely to oust the SNP.

https://ballotbox.scot/scottish-parliament/polling-scottish-parliament/

Might be of use, OP.

Crikey that’s pretty worrying, I didn’t think Reform would poll so highly here.

Same here, either spoilt ballot or peg on nose, I spoilt it in the last GE which felt such a waste.

In nearly 60myears of voting Inhave never not voted, or spoiled my ballot. I fear that this May Imwillmhave to spoil my ballot, it breaks my heart. There is no longer a single party that is competent to govern.

The Social Democratic Party is better than most, but stands very few candidates.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Democratic_Party_(UK,_1990–present)

I am fortunate to live in a Westminster constituency whose Labour candidate (now MP) is sane on women’s rights. I intend to find out at hustings where their Holyrood candidate stands (but he is millennial so I don’t hold out much hope).

Remember that Reform won a local council election in west lothian recently. The narrative from snp that Scotland are somehow better and different is not true. And tbh I think people are voting for change and wanting rid of the current shitshow. Parties are trying to tell voters what their priorities should be rather than listening to voters concerns and that leaves a gap for others to step in

For your regional list vote you could pick Ash Regan- one of few with a backbone who quit SNP over the GRR vote. She's standing as an Independent and is very GC.

ACH's constituency (Edinburgh Western) is changing, so without knowing where you live I don't know who your options are for your constituency vote, but I sympathise, as he is an imbecile. There's a fun video somewhere of him being questioned about Isla Bryson if anyone wants proof!

https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/

Another useful site.

https://www.isp.scot/policies/

This is a party I hadnt heard of - standing 22 candidates:

Will update with relevant policy

'GRA and Self-ID
The ISP believes that trans people, like all other groups in society should be free to dress, live and love how they please. However, we oppose self ID on the grounds that it does not add anything to the rights that trans people currently enjoy and the legislation, as it stands will severely affect sex based women’s rights. We will oppose Self ID on that principle. '

'We will look to develop women’s health, especially in the most common conditions that affect women; we will encourage scientific research to include sex specific studies as well as general ones.'

I think he’s still my MSP, he’s marginally better than Christine Jardine. He was very keen to appear helpful on an issue I raised a while back but since I sent emails asking for support for women’s rights he’s less keen.

Im in a strong Lib Dem seat - the closest opposition is snp. So I vote tactically to keep
snp out

I don't really care about the trans stuff (it's stupid but it's just not my priority) but I still don't know! Everyone is godawful. Labour are creepy. Scottish independence is a bad idea as we sit on the edge of world war 3. Tories are the anti WFH party and can get in the sea. Where are the sensibles.

So a keen sense of biological reality but no sense of economic or geo political reality!

IMO keep spoiling your ballot.

The choice is either a party who isn't gender critical, or vote for one of the extremist right-wing parties like Reform/UKIP who will also abolish gay marriage, tear up the Equality Act and send society and women's rights back a century.

Honestly having seen how many seats reform are expected to get i think you need to vote for someone

None of these parties treat women as fully human and equal to men, though. Why should the OP just give up and abstain any more than you should, or would? How would that help her?

A lot of frustrated people here. I get that. Now is the time not to despair, but to get angry.

It is about more than just an individual vote. Even if you plan to spoil your ballot now is the time to explain why and speak up.

Now is the maximum time individuals can make an impact on politicians and on other voters.

Quiz all the candidates. Ask the awkward questions. For multiple reasons

1 even if they are in a party with issues individual candidates can be better and be rebels.
2 - It shows that people care about women's issues. It puts them on the spot.
3 - It can peak people long term.
4 -Get them on record. If they think women are not worth worrying about people need to know about it. Remember the SNP are trying to keep rapists in women's gaols at huge expense. Can they justify this? The expensive witchhunt of Sandy Peggie? Any of it?
5 - Make sure they know that even though they think women are not important the courts do not and we have lawyers that can make them suffer. Tell SNP candidates that they will be sued all the time they admit women are real. Lots of politicians have started to fear women who won't be silent. Make enough fuss and they will stop trying. Remember many of these people don't really care about "trans" ideas they are only doing it because TAs seem powerful.

If candidates are dumb, hateful or avoid you tell people here, on X, anywhere. Write to press local and national. Speak up. You are WAY more likely to be heard NOW than after the elections.

Even better if you can go to hustings and ask questions live.

Also in the run up to May elections it is a great time to protest. Get together with others make your voice heard. Put out stickers. Do anything.

Right now it looks like the Scottish Greens are likely to do well despite their terrible record. Spread the word why they are bad.

Oh fuck off with your guilt-tripping Christina. It's the supposed left that has made voting in this country a choice between the plague and cholera. Don't blame women for the SNP's, Labour's, the SGreens's and the LibDem's failure to listen to women and for actively threatening their rights.

It's important to tell candidates you're not voting for them and why, even if you do still end up holding your nose and voting against Reform.

This online event could be interesting.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hustings-for-womens-equality-holyrood-2026-tickets-1982973968520

"Hosted by a coalition of national women's organisations and campaign groups, this online hustings is an opportunity for political parties to set out their commitments for women’s equality before the upcoming Scottish Parliament election in May.
Representatives from the main political parties will take part to answer your questions on some of the most pressing issues impacting women's lives in Scotland."

I got my ticket and posted my question for the candidates. The deadline for questions was 9th March but should still be possible to get tickets.