First time voter's birthday treat

Lynne MacKenzie from Inverness is one of five young people in the Highlands who will be able to mark their 18th Birthdays by putting a cross on an election ballot.

Lynne, a 6th year pupil at Charleston Academy, plans to visit her local polling station on the way to school on Thursday 6th May.  She said:  “I am really looking forward to voting for the first time and getting to do it on the day I turn 18 is extra special. It would have been a shame if my Birthday fell on the 7th as I would have missed the opportunity to take part.”

The Highland Youth Convener Magnus Monahan, who will also be casting his vote for the first time in a general election, presented Lynne with a special cake to celebrate her 18th birthday and mark the occasion of voting for the first time.

He said:  “What better way to celebrate your birthday than by voting in a General Election! I turned 18 a few months ago so this will also be my first opportunity to vote and I’m looking forward to marking my X on the ballot paper.”

On Thursday 6 May, 2010, polling will take place in the three Highland constituencies between 7 am – 10 pm at 294 polling stations.  The counting of votes will take place in Wick Assembly Rooms, Dingwall Leisure Centre and Inverness Leisure Centre overnight, starting as soon after 10pm as possible on 6 May.

As soon as results are announced they will be posted on The Highland Council’s website.

Anyone with any queries about visiting their polling station or using a postal vote should contact the Election Hotline on 0845 6035528.