Call for voters in Highland to register in time for elections this May

Issued on behalf of the Returning Officer

With Scottish Council elections taking place in just a few weeks, voters in the Highlands are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote and are able to take part on polling day, Thursday 4 May.

The call for voters to sign up comes as the Electoral Commission launches a national voter registration campaign to encourage as many people as possible to register ahead of the elections taking place this year.

The Highland Electoral Registration Officer is now also reminding voters that they need to register by the deadline of Monday 17 April otherwise they won’t be able to take part in the Scottish Council elections. If you have received a poll card from the Returning Officer, there is no need to re-register.

Bill Gillies, Electoral Registration Officer for Highland said: “Time is running out to make sure you can take part in elections this May, so I’d encourage everyone in Highland to take action now if they’re not already registered to vote. It’s quick and easy to register, but after the deadline of 17 April, it will be too late.”

Andy O’Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland said: “Our research shows that young people, students and recent home movers are particularly less likely to be registered to vote. So if you have moved house recently, then make sure you’re registered correctly. If you’re not registered, you won’t be able to have your say on issues that directly affect your day-to-day life in the Highlands.”

To register to vote, visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote before Monday 17 April. If you don’t have access call 0800 3 280 280 for a registration form to be sent to you.