Voters urged not to miss postal vote deadline

Voters in Renfrewshire are being urged not to miss the deadline to register for a postal vote for the Scottish Parliament election in May.

With an expected rise in postal voters, the deadline is earlier than previous elections and voters need to register by 5pm on Tuesday 6 April.

Polling stations in Renfrewshire will have all the required health and safety measures in place to ensure they are safe places to vote in-person, but voters have the opportunity to vote in advance if they wish.

Application forms can be downloaded from the UK Government website and completed forms should be returned to the Electoral Registration Office in Paisley by the 5pm deadline.

Sandra Black, Returning Officer for Renfrewshire, said: “With the ongoing pandemic, people may wish to take the opportunity to vote by post or proxy for this election and, if so, they should ensure their completed application form is with the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on 6 April.

“I want to assure people that we are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure that our polling stations will be safe places to vote and that if you wish to vote in-person then you can do so with confidence.

“It’s important that you have your voice heard so please take five minutes to ensure you are registered to vote and decide which method you would like to use to cast your vote.”

Other deadlines for voters to be aware of include being registered to vote by 19 April and ensure applications for a proxy vote are in by 5pm on 29 April.

Kate Crawford, Electoral Registration Officer for Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board, said: “In the forthcoming election for the Scottish Parliament, you, the voter, have a choice to either vote in person or by post.

“If you would like to vote by post in this election, please ensure you apply by 5pm on the 6th of April . It’s easy to do, just log onto www.renfrewshire-vjb.gov.uk or contact my office ero@renfrewshire-vjb.gov.uk or call us on 0300 300 0150 to arrange.”

For more information on the election, including what to expect at a polling station on 6 May, please visit: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/SPelection2021.