Don’t miss vital vote Ballot registration deadline is looming
Time is running out to secure a vote in the local government elections.
Scotland goes to the polls in May to decide the make-up of 32 councils across the country.
Renfrewshire ballots for 43 councillors across 12 wards with the deadline to take part closing next week. Voters must register by midnight on Monday, with the deadline for postal or proxy papers at 5pm on Tuesday.
A l a s d a i r M a c Ta g g a r t , electoral registration officer with Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board, says teams are on- hand to offer advice on how to get on the roll. He said: “The process is quick and easy. The message that we want to get out to people is that while the deadline to register is fast approaching, our staff can advise you on getting that done in person or online.”
The election takes place on May 4. A video guide has also been produced which explains how to correctly fill out a postal vote.
The number of members has been increased since the last decision five years ago, up from 40 in 11 wards.
Returning Officer Sandra Black says changes have been made to the slips. She said: “People who will start to receive their postal votes from Friday will note that they are in a slightly different format than those used in the past. That is why we have prepared an easy-to-follow video guide which explains how people should complete postal votes.
“Renfrewshire had an excellent turnout of young voters in the recent Scottish Youth Parliament election and we are aiming to build on that in the council election.
“Anyone aged 16, on or before the day of the election, should register.”
Registration can be made in person at the Robertson Centre, 16 Glasgow Road, Paisley, by phone on 0300 300 0150 or online at www.gov.uk and the office will be open on Monday between 10am and 4pm.
The video guide can be viewed at www. re n f rewshire. gov. uk/2017Election.
The result of the votewill be announced on May 5.