Makesure you’re registered to vote

Residents in Renfrewshire are being urged to ensure they are registered to vote.

It comes in advance of the looming council elections, set for May 5.

Details may not be up-todate for residents who have never voted before, or those who have recently moved house or changed their name.

Information is at hand for anyone who thinks they may need help.

Anyone who thinks they may be affected can check by searching ‘register to vote’ on the UK Government website.

Renfrewshire residents who are aged 16 or over can vote in this election, as can refugees and other foreign citizens living in Scotland who have leave to enter or remain in the UK, or who do not need such permissions.

Young people can also find out more about the election by visiting the ‘voting as a young person’ page on Renfrewshire Council’s website, which houses a host of information designed to help younger voters feel more confident and knowledgeable about the process.

Advice on how to register to vote by post in advance of polling day or allowing someone to cast a postal proxy vote on your behalf is also available - although applications must be received by a 5pm deadline on Tuesday, April 19.

Further information is also available by searching ‘Apply for a postal vote’ on the UK Government’s website.

Voters must register to vote by Monday, April 18.

Polling for the election will take place on Thursday, May 5 between 7am and 10pm, with 59 polling stations in operation across Renfrewshire.

Voters are also being urged to check their local polling station has not changed since the last election and must attend the location named on polling cards.

Health and safety measures will be in place in polling stations and additional support is available for anyone with a disability who would like to vote in-person at a polling station, including a tactile voting device and large print versions of the ballot paper.

Every polling station will also have an access ramp or a separate entrance and a wheelchair accessible polling booth.

Further information is also available from Renfrewshire Council by emailing electionoffice@renfrewshire.gov.uk or calling 0141 618 2300.