Smooth general election pledge

Preparations are already underway to ensure the UK parliamentary election on June 8 goes as smoothly as possible in North Ayrshire.

Although the general election has been called at short notice, North Ayrshire’s returning officer Elma Murray says arrangements are well in hand to ensure an efficient democratic vote.

But Mrs Murray said: ‘I would like to take this opportunity to remind those who are not currently registered to vote, that they still have time to join the Electoral Register, allowing them to participate in the Parliamentary election.

‘No one should miss out on their right to be part of the democratic process simply go to www.gov.uk/ register-to-vote where registration takes about five minutes.’

If you have already registered for the council elections, then it is likely that you will be eligible to vote in the parliamentary election. However, if you have changed address or other details have changed, you are advised to check your registration.

The deadline for registering to vote is Monday, May 22, while the deadline for registering a new postal vote is Tuesday, May 23. For those wishing to apply for a proxy vote, the deadline is Wednesday, May 31.

Voters aged 16 or 17 on June 8 should be aware that while they are eligible to vote in the council elections, they will not be able to vote in the Parliamentary election as the minimum voting age is 18.

The notice of election for the UK general election was published at 4pm on May 5 and prospective parliamentary candidates can submit their names between Monday, May 8, and the nomination deadline on May 11.

Polling stations will open 7am to 10pm for parliamentary election on June 8.