Would you like to vote by post this May?

Orkney Islands Council’s Elections team is reminding people of the option to vote by post at the upcoming Scottish Parliament election in May.

If you're registered to vote in Scotland, you can choose to vote by post - but your application for a postal vote must reach the Council’s elections team by 5pm on 6 April.

John Mundell, Returning Officer for the Orkney constituency, says while all the necessary precautions and COVID-19 safety measures will be in place at polling booths on 6 May, people may wish to consider voting by post instead.

“I would encourage people to apply now if they think that a postal vote would be a good option for them for May’s election – and suggest to friends, neighbours and family members that they consider doing the same,” he said.

If you’re registered to vote, you can download an application form at http://www.orkney-shetland-vjb.co.uk/

Once completed, the form can be posted to the Electoral Registration Office, 8 Broad Street, Kirkwall KW15 1NX, or a scanned copy can be sent by email to ero@orkney.gov.uk

Alternatively, phone OIC’s Elections team on 01856876222 or email ero@orkney.gov.uk to request an application form.

Anyone interested in arranging a postal vote is urged to do so sooner rather than later.

The local Electoral Registration Office has recently issued a letter to all properties in Orkney listing electors who are currently registered and detailing those who already have a postal vote in place.

Anyone resident in Scotland, who will be aged 16 or over on 6 May, can register to vote. The deadline for registering is 19 April - and you can register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote