Time is running out for voters to register to have their say in the Scottish Parliament election on Thursday 7 May, with the deadline for registrations at 11.59pm TONIGHT.
Registering takes minutes and can be done online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. All voters need is a name, address, and National Insurance number.
Those who are already registered will have received a poll card, which tells them where and when to vote.
Cahir Hughes, Acting Head of the Electoral Commission Scotland, said: “We want everyone to be able to have their say in this election, but first they need to be registered to vote.
“If you’re voting for the first time, have moved house, or changed any of your details, it’s especially important that you register online before the deadline tonight.
“It takes just five minutes and all you need is your name, address, and National Insurance number. You can do it now at gov.uk/register-to-vote.
“If you want to vote by post or by proxy, you still have time to apply, but you’ll need to be registered to vote first. Anyone not registered in time won’t be able to vote on Thursday 7 May.
“Once you’re registered, the deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5.00pm on Tuesday 21 April and the deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5.00pm on Tuesday 28 April.”
With the deadline for new voter registration at 11:59pm on MONDAY 20 APRIL fast approaching, the city council is reminding all eligible residents in Edinburgh to register in time.
Registering online is quick and easy, with full details on the UK Government’s website. If you have recently moved home or your details have changed you will need to register to vote again.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April, and for a proxy vote it’s 5pm on Tuesday 28 April.
Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “Next week marks several crucial milestones as our city prepares for polling day.
“We want everyone to be able to cast their vote and make their voice heard in this election. I’d urge anyone in Edinburgh who is eligible to make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.”
Polls will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday May 7. You can find your nearest polling place on our website. The count will take place on Friday May 8.
With only one week left to register to vote in the Scottish Parliament election, the Electoral Commission is urging people to register before the deadline at 11.59pm on Monday 20 April.
Registering takes minutes and can be done online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. Voters who are already registered will have received a poll card, which tells them where and when to vote.
Electoral Commission research shows that young people, students and those who have recently moved are less likely to be registered to vote. Anyone previously on the register who has recently moved home or whose details have changed will need to register to vote again.
Those who do not have a fixed address, whether due to homelessness, being a part of the Gypsy or Traveller community, or because they are, or have been, in care, can still register to vote using a declaration of local connection.
Cahir Hughes, Acting Head of the Electoral Commission Scotland, said: “On Thursday 7 May, people across Scotland will head to the polls to have their say on the issues important to their daily lives. If you’ve recently moved, or you’re a student living away from home, it’s especially important to check you’re registered and you can do that quickly and easily at gov.uk/register-to-vote.
“If you do not have a fixed address to register to vote at, you can still take part by registering through a declaration of local connection.
For this election, eligibility for care experienced young people has been extended up to the age of 21, from 16, so we’d encourage those who need to make use of this option to do so.
“Importantly, voter ID is not required for the Scottish Parliament election. If you’re to vote, all you need to do on the day is turn up and have your say.”
The Scottish Parliament Notice of Election has been published.
Nominations open tomorrow (Tuesday 16 March) for candidates wanting to stand in the election.
Additional hygiene and distancing measures will be in place on polling day for voter and staff safety
If voters do not want to go to a polling place to vote they have the option of voting by post. Anyone can apply for a postal vote but this should be done as soon as possible.
Nominations open tomorrow (Tuesday 16 March) for candidates to stand in the forthcoming Scottish Parliament Election.
The Notice of Election was published today for Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh Eastern, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Edinburgh Pentlands, Edinburgh Southern and Edinburgh Western Constituencies and the Lothian Region.
In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, by 4pm on Wednesday 31 March.
The Scottish Parliament Election will take place on Thursday, 6 May 2021, when people living across Scotland will elect MSPs to represent them at Holyrood.
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for the Edinburgh constituencies and the Lothian Region, said:“The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period.
“The forthcoming election will allow the city’s residents to have their say about the government of Scotland, and I urge all citizens to make sure they’re registered in plenty of time, think now about the way they’ll vote and then to use that vote on 6 May.
“We are keen to continue the enthusiasm demonstrated by voters during the UK Parliamentary Election in 2019 and even our recent by-election in Craigentinny/Duddingston when we had the same range of safety measures in place. Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”
At the UK Parliamentary Election in December 2019 turnout in the capital was high, at an average of 73% across Edinburgh’s five constituencies.
People aged 16 and over and all those legally resident – including foreign citizens – can register to vote in this election.
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 register to vote is midnight Monday 19 April, to apply for a postal vote the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 6 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 27 April.
Find out more about voter registration and the election, including the safety measures we’re taking to ensure polling stations are safe and covid secure, on the Council’s website.
