Deadlines loom to register to vote in Scottish Parliament election

• Issued on behalf of the Electoral Registration Officer

With the Scottish Parliament election taking place on Thursday 5 May 2016, electors in the three Highland constituencies are being urged to ensure they are registered to vote before the deadline for receipt of applications of Monday 18 April.

Voters are also reminded that the deadline for seeking a new postal vote application and changes to existing postal or proxy votes is 5pm on Tuesday 19 April. Also, the deadline for new applications to vote by proxy (not postal vote), except for medical emergencies is 5pm on Tuesday 26 April.

The first batch of postal votes is scheduled to be posted out to electors on Wednesday 13 April.

Bill Gillies, 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 Monday 18 April, you will miss out on the chance to have your say in the Scottish Parliament election.”

Anyone with a registration query should contact the Electoral Registration Office freephone - 0800 393 783.

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.

Further information about the Scottish Parliamentary elections is on The Highland Council’s website at www.highland.gov.uk/SP16