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Time running out for voters to register ahead of Scottish elections


By Scott Maclennan

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People have been warned to register to vote ahead of the Monday deadline.
People have been warned to register to vote ahead of the Monday deadline.

People have until Monday to register to vote so they can take part in Scotland’s May parliamentary elections.

The Highlands and Islands Constituency and Regional Returning Officer has confirmed no one can register to vote in person after midnight on April 19.

That means anyone wishing to cast a ballot in the three Highland constituencies and regional list must have lodged their details by midnight.

Those who already have polling cards are confirmed as being on the electoral register and do not need to do anything.

The deadline for new applications to vote by proxy – not including medical emergencies – is 5pm on Tuesday April 27.

Already the deadline for applying for a new postal vote has passed.

The quickest and easiest way to register is by going online at register to vote.

Alternatively, people can call the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393 783 to request a paper form to be sent to you.

Bill Gillies, the Electoral Registration Officer for Highland and Western Isles, said: “Registering to vote is quick and easy.

"However, if you are not registered by midnight on April 19 you will miss out on the chance to have your say in the Scottish Parliament election.”

As well as returning a Member of the Scottish Parliament in their constituency, electors will be asked to complete a ballot paper to elect seven additional members from the Highlands and Islands Regional List.

Voters will receive a lilac ballot paper to elect their local constituency member and a peach ballot paper to elect the seven additional regional members.

On the constituency ballot paper, electors mark one cross (X) in the box opposite the name of one candidate.

On the regional ballot paper, electors vote for a party or individual candidate to represent the region. Voters should mark a cross (X) once in the box opposite the name of one party or individual candidate.

The Electoral Commission has produced an election guide that is being sent to every household in Scotland to explain to voters what they need to know ahead of the election.

The guide has been produced in a range of accessible formats which are available also from the council’s website by clicking here.


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