Deadline approaches for people to register to vote in the Scottish Parliament election

Issued on behalf of the Constituency and Regional Returning Officer

With the Scottish Parliament election taking place on Thursday 6 May 2021, electors in the three Highland constituencies are being urged to ensure they are registered to vote before the deadline for receipt of applications which is midnight on Monday 19 April.  If you have recently received a poll card for this election, then you are already registered.

Voters are also reminded that although the deadline for applying for a new postal vote has passed, the deadline for new applications to vote by proxy (not postal vote), except for medical emergencies is 5pm on Tuesday 27 April.

Bill Gillies, the Electoral Registration Officer for Highland and Western Isles, said: “Registering to vote is quick and easy. However, if you are not registered by midnight on April 19 you will miss out on the chance to have your say in the Scottish Parliament election.”

The quickest and easiest way to register is online by visiting – www.gov.uk/registertovote or alternatively, please call the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393 783 to request a paper form to be sent to you.

As well as returning a Member of the Scottish Parliament in their constituency, electors will be asked to complete a ballot paper to elect 7 Additional Members from the Highlands and Islands Regional List to the Scottish Parliament.

Voters will receive a lilac ballot paper to elect their local constituency member and a peach ballot paper to elect the 7 additional regional members. On the constituency ballot paper, electors mark one cross (X) in the box opposite the name of one candidate. On the regional ballot paper, electors vote for a party or individual candidate to represent the region. Voters should mark a cross (X) once in the box opposite the name of one party or individual candidate.

The Electoral Commission has produced an election guide that is being sent to every household in Scotland to explain to voters what they need to know ahead of the election. This guide has been produced in a range of accessible formats which are available also from the Council’s website www.highland.gov.uk/sp2021election

-ends-