Council elections looming

Renfrewshire residents are being urged to turn out and have their say at the forthcoming council elections.

The area will go to the polls next Thursday, to elect a host of councillors to serve the area over the next five years.

Voters will elect 43 councillors in 12 ward areas when they cast their votes in the Scottish Local Government election.

Polling will take place between 7am and 10pm, with the results to be announced on Friday, May 6 following a count at Paisley’s Lagoon Leisure Centre.

But residents are being urged to check the destination where they cast their vote on polling cards as venues may have changed since the last election.

Information is also available via Renfrewshire Council’s website.

Residents who opted to vote by post but have missed the deadline to ballots back can hand their papers in at any Renfrewshire polling station. There is a 10pm deadline for the replacement of lost or spoiled postal votes which can be obtained by calling the Election Office on 0141 618 2300.

Anyone who requires an emergency proxy vote can apply to the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on polling day, Thursday, May 5, and the application form can be filled out via the council’s website.

Alan Russell, returning officer for Renfrewshire, said: “I would encourage everyone to have their say and cast their vote on polling day as those elected will represent you for the next five years in Renfrewshire.

“Our polling places will be safe places for you to visit on May 5, but please make sure you use your polling card to double check where you should vote as some of the venues may have changed.

“This election uses the Single Transferable Vote system so please make sure you mark your choices in order of preference, ie, 1, 2, 3 etc – you can choose as many or as few candidates as you wish.”

He added: “I’m looking forward to election day as it approaches, and I want to thank all of our staff who are working hard behind-thescenes to deliver this election smoothly.”

Results will be published on Renfrewshire Council’s website and on social media channels as they are announced on Friday May 6.

For further information about the election in Renfrewshire, visit www. renfrewshire.gov.uk/councilelections-2022