POST EARLY FOR XMAS ELECTION
Voters urged to sign up for postal ballot amid new fears that turnout could plummet to historic low
TURNOUT at the General Election will slump unless more people register to vote by post, campaigners have warned.
Around one in five Scots normally votes by post rather than go to a polling station.
But campaigners fear the election taking place in the middle of December could severely damage turnout due to weather, the proximity to Christmas and limited daylight.
They are now urging more Scots to register for a postal vote ahead of the deadline at the end of next Tuesday, to ensure they do not miss out on the chance to have their say.
The Electoral Commission, the main elections watchdog, is stepping up an awareness campaign to encourage people to consider postal voting. It has been backed by elderly care groups, student representatives and voting campaigners.
Turnout slumped to 66.4 per cent in Scotland in 2017 for the snap general election, compared with 71.1 per cent in 2015, with heavy rain and the increasing number of major elections and referendums blamed.
Willie Sullivan, director of the Electoral Reform Society Scotland, said: ‘We have got concerns about turnout because there is always a significant number of people who don’t vote, but with the weather, the time of year and proximity to Christmas there is a good chance that it could be even worse this year.
‘We also have concerns that there are a lot of people who have not registered to vote.
‘If we have the worst-case scenario of a low-turnout election, and you have a government elected on a small percentage turnout, you have got to question the legitimacy of that government.
‘We should be doing all we can to get registered. We have only got one day to vote. Most people’s lives are busy, so voting could take out a few hours of that day. If you get a postal vote, you have a few days to consider it and return it from the comfort of your own home.
‘It is a busy time of the year, there are weather issues and Christmas. So it is much easier to fill it in, in the comfort of your own home, take your time over it and post it.
‘As many people as possible who have any doubt at all that they might not get to a polling station should register for a postal vote.’
In 2017, the biggest decline in turnout was in Dunbartonshire West, where it fell by 8.7 percentage points. Glasgow North East registered the worst turnout in the country, at only 53 per cent.
The Electoral Commission has been encouraging voters to ensure they are registered to vote and has also been promoting postal voting. Concerns have also been raised that elderly Scots may struggle to get to a polling station for the December 12 election.
The Age Scotland charity has raised fears that tens of thousands of older people and those with disabilities may be disadvantaged if there is cold or icy weather.
It will be distributing postal vote forms to older people’s groups ahead of the voting deadline.
Brian Sloan, chief executive of Age Scotland, said: ‘Many older people, especially in remote areas, may find it difficult to get to their polling station, especially if it’s cold and icy.
‘Short days and winter weather can make roads and pavements especially treacherous at this time of year, while not everyone has access to reliable public transport.
‘This year’s election will have a huge impact on major issues affecting older people, from the future of the NHS to free TV licences.
‘As Scotland’s population ages at a faster rate than the rest of the UK, it is vital that political leaders invest in tackling pensioner poverty, ageism and loneliness, and helping everyone live well in later life.
‘We’d encourage everyone to make sure they don’t lose their vote by applying for a postal vote before the deadline. Our community teams will be distributing application forms, while our friendly helpline advisers are ready to talk anyone through the process.’
The National Union of Students has also been encouraging students to sign up for a postal vote.
A spokesman for the Electoral Commission said: ‘Anyone who is concerned that they may not be able to get to the polling station can apply for a postal or proxy vote, where someone you trust casts your vote on your behalf. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on November 26 and for a proxy vote is 5pm on December 4.’
‘It is a busy time of the year’