Register for vote at council election

Time is running out to register to vote in the West Lothian Council elections on Thursday, May 4.

You must be registered by Monday (April 17) or you will not be able to cast your vote in the council elections.

For the first time, 16 and 17 year olds will be able to vote in a council election.

Research shows that young people and recent home movers are amongst those least likely to be registered to vote, so are particularly encouraged to check if they are registered.

To register to vote, please visit www.gov.uk/registerto- vote or call 0131 344 2500 as soon as possible.

West Lothian’s Returning Officer Graham Hope (below) said:“The last date for voter registration is Monday, April 17, so please make sure you don’t miss out.

“If you have not registered to vote by Monday, April 17, you will not be able to cast your vote in the West Lothian Council elections on Thursday, May 4.

“Anyone who isn’t registered to vote should visit www.gov.uk/ register-to- vote or call 0131 344 2500 as soon as possible.”

To register to vote, you must a British Citizen, a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the European Union, and normally resident in Scotland.

The process has recently changed from household to individual registration, so West Lothian residents are urged to make sure they are still registered to vote.

You can also request a postal or a proxy vote.

On the ballot paper, you will be asked to number the candidates in order of your choice.

You should put a 1 in the box next to your first choice, a 2 in the box next to your second choice and so on. Only numbers should be used and you can make as many or as few choices as you wish.

For information visit either www. yourvotematters. co.uk or www. westlothian.gov.uk/

voting.