Register in Time to Have Your Say in May

25 March 2021 at 12:21:56

On Thursday 6 May residents in the Highlands & Western Isles can have their say on who represents them in the Scottish Parliament.

In order to vote in the election, residents must be on the electoral register. With the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, the Highland & Western Isles Electoral Registration Officer is urging anyone who has not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 19 April. It takes just five minutes to Apply Online  .

The Scottish Parliament has powers to make laws for Scotland in a range of areas including health, education, housing, justice and the environment.

Bill Gillies, Electoral Registration Officer for Highland & Western Isles said:  "This is an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect your day-to-day. If you're not registered by 19 April, you won't be able to vote. If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you don't need to take any action. If in doubt, you can contact us on 0800 393 783."

Malcolm Burr, Constituency Returning Officer for Na h-Eileanan an Iar said:  "You can't have your say in these important elections unless you are registered to vote. It's quick and easy - it takes just five minutes to Apply Online  . It doesn't matter where you were born, if you are aged 16 or over and live in Scotland then you can now vote in the Scottish Parliament election. But only if you have registered to vote first."

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot - in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be following all public health guidance on 6 May.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 6 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 27 April.

For Information on How to Register to Vote, or How to Apply to Vote by Post or by Proxy  . This page will continue to be updated ahead of the polls.