Scottish Borders Council (SBC) is encouraging local residents to make sure they don’t miss out on their chance to vote in the council election on 3 May 2012.
With six weeks to go until polling day, Borderers can have their say about who they want to represent their ward at SBC.
Mark Dickson, Electoral Registration Officer from SBC, said: “You must be on the electoral register to have your say on who sits on your council. If you have recently moved to the area, or moved house 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 18 April.”
You can register online by visiting www.aboutmyvote.co.uk. You can also check if you are registered to vote by calling the Electoral Registration Officer on 01835 825100.
Andy O’Neill, Head of the Scotland Office at the Electoral Commission - the independent elections watchdog - is also reminding voters that they can still vote even if they can’t make it to the polling station on 3 May.
He explained: “Even if you will be away on holiday, or 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”
The deadline for new postal vote applications, changes to existing postal votes or changes to existing proxy votes is 5pm on Wednesday 18 April. New applications to vote by proxy must be in by 5pm on Wednesday 25 April. Emergency proxy applications will be accepted up until 5pm on Thursday 3 May.
Candidates have until 4pm on Thursday 29 March to submit their nomination forms. Candidates are being reminded to contact the elections office to make an appointment to lodge their nomination forms. They can do so by calling 01835 825005.
If residents have any queries or questions relating to elections in the Scottish Borders please contact the elections team at SBC at elections@scotborders.gov.uk or call 01835 825005 during office hours Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 5.00pm, Friday 8.45am to 3.45pm.
You can also visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or www.scotborders.gov.uk/elections