Two weeks left to register to vote in upcoming council elections

04 April 2022 at 17:32:55

With only two weeks until the voter registration deadline for local elections in May, the Electoral Registration Officer for Highland & Western Isles urges residents to make sure they are registered in time.

Anyone living in Scotland who will be 16 or over on 5 May, can register to vote in these elections. For those not already registered, the deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 18 April. Residents can apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote . It takes just five minutes.

On Thursday 5 May voters will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them on their local council. This year residents in Highland & Western Isles will be voting to elect councillors, who will represent their local area and residents, and make decisions in areas such as education, social care and housing.

Bill Gillies, Electoral Registration Officer for Highland & Western Isles, said:

"With only two weeks to go, time is running out to make sure you can take part in the local elections. These elections are an important opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Highland and Western Isles. In order to vote in the elections, residents must be on the electoral register. So if you're not already registered, you must do so by 18 April, otherwise you won't be able to take part."

Andy O'Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, said:

"You can only take part in these elections if you are registered to vote, and the deadline is fast approaching. It's quick and easy - it takes just five minutes online at www.gov.uk/registertovote.

"If you have recently turned 16 or moved home, it is particularly important that you make sure you are correctly registered 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 check with your electoral registration office by calling 0800 393 783.