Issued on behalf of the Electoral Registration Officer for the Highland & Western Isles
Highland and Western Isles residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.
With local council elections taking place in May 2027, this is an opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.
The annual canvass allows the Electoral Registration Officer to keep the electoral register up to date, to identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register before it’s too late.
Frank Finlayson, Electoral Registration Officer at the Highland & Western Isles Electoral Registration Office said: “Keep an eye out for important updates from the Electoral Registration Office. The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date. To make sure you don’t lose your say at upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.
“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online.”
Recent home movers in particular are urged to check their details. Electoral Commission research has found that they are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. In Great Britain, 92% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.
Cahir Hughes, Acting Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to check for updates from their local Electoral Registration Office on this year’s canvass. The Electoral Registration Office may contact residents by post or email.
“If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local council when asked and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website.
Residents with questions about their registration status can contact their local Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393 783 or by e-mail