Deadline for postal vote applications draws near - less than a fortnight to go!

Issued on behalf of the Constituency and Regional Returning Officer

Anyone considering voting by post for the 6 May Scottish Parliamentary Election is reminded that the deadline for applications to be received is 5pm on Tuesday 6 April, which is in just under two weeks’ time.

Postal voting is growing in popularity as a convenient way for voters to have their say and take part from the comfort of their home.

Even if you have received a white poll card to vote in person at a polling station, you can still apply to vote by post. You can apply for a postal vote for a specific election, a specific period of time, or for all elections.

You can only apply for a postal vote if you are already a registered voter and you will need to apply before the deadline of 5pm on Tuesday 06 April 2021.

To apply visit - https://www.saa.gov.uk/h-wi-vjb/elections-in-2021/

The process is quick and simple – You fill in a form with your name, address, date of birth and how long you want the postal vote for — just for one election, until a specified date, or permanently.

The form can be downloaded and printed from here or you can request a paper application form to be sent to you. You can return the completed application form to any of the Electoral Registration offices by post or by email to absentvote@highland.gov.uk

Once your application has been processed your postal pack will be sent out for you to complete. It will include clear instructions so all you need to do is follow the instructions, fill out the postal vote statement, mark the ballot papers and post all papers in the supplied envelope as soon as possible.

Anyone opting to vote by post will need to make sure they complete their postal ballot pack and send it back straight away, so it arrives before 10pm on Thursday 6 May.

Postal packs will start to be distributed from 14 April onwards.

The nomination process for candidates wishing to stand is still underway with the deadline for applications 4pm on Wednesday 31 March.

Full details and helpful information for voters is available now by visiting  www.highland.gov.uk/sp2021election