PROSPECTIVE candidates have until 4pm today to get their nomination forms in if they plan to stand at the local council elections on May 3.
And as the countdown to polling day begins, Borderers are being encouraged to make their vote count.
With less than six weeks to go until May 3, those residents eligible to vote are being urged to make sure they are registered on the electoral roll. They have until April 18 to register. Anyone unsure about whether or not they are registered to vote can call electoral registration officer Mark Dickson on 01835 825100.
Mr Dickson said: “You must be on the electoral register to have your say. If you have recently moved house or moved into the area, it is important to make sure that you register at your new address, otherwise you won’t be able to vote.
“It only takes a few minutes to complete a registration form, but you must make sure we receive it by Wednesday, April 18.”
Voters unable to make it to the polls on May 3 can vote now by post. The deadline for new postal vote applications, changes to existing postal votes, or changes to existing proxy votes is 5pm on April 18.
New applications to vote by proxy must be in by 5pm on April 25. Emergency proxy applications will be accepted up until 5pm on the day of the elections.
Andy Neill, head of the Scotland Office at the Electoral Commission – the independent election watchdog – said: “Even if you are away on holiday or you think you might be caught up in work, you can make sure you have your say by applying to vote by post or proxy. Anyone can be your proxy as long as they are eligible to vote in the election and are willing to vote on your behalf.
“You can print off the forms from.aboutmyvote.co.uk.”