Voter deadlines for Scottish Parliament election

Local voters are being reminded that key deadlines are approaching ahead of the Scottish Parliament election.

Everyone eligible and aged 16 or over on Thursday May 6 has the right to vote in the election.

It is important that all residents wishing to vote ensure they are on the Electoral Register – and to do this by midnight on Monday 19 April.

If you have recently received your Poll Card at your current address you are already registered to vote. But if you are unsure about whether you are registered to vote at your current address, contact the Electoral Registration Office by email to ero@orkney.gov.uk or by phoning 01856876222.

If you have recently moved address and have not registered yet, you can do this online at the Gov UK website.

Although polling stations will be open on Thursday 6 May with Covid-19 safety measures in place, Orkney Islands Council’s Election Team is encouraging folk to consider voting by post instead.

If you are registered to vote, you can download an application form for a postal vote or to appoint a proxy (someone to vote at a polling station on your behalf) at the Orkney and Shetland Valuation Joint Board website.

If you wish to nominate someone to vote by post on your behalf - a postal proxy vote – please contact the Electoral Registration Office at Orkney Islands Council on telephone 01856876222 or by email.

Once completed, forms should be posted to the Electoral Registration Office, 8 Broad Street, Kirkwall KW15 1NX, or scanned copies can be sent by email.

Alternatively, phone our local Electoral Registration Office on 01856 876222 or email the team to request any application forms.

The deadlines for applications are:

• Postal vote: by 5pm on Tuesday 6 April.
• Postal proxy: by 5pm on Tuesday 6 April.
• Proxy vote: by 5pm on Tuesday 27 April.