Elections - voting
Can I vote?
You can vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election and the referendum if you are registered to vote in Scotland and are 18:
- a British citizen, or
- a qualifying Commonwealth citizen, or
- a citizen of the Irish Republic.
British citizens living overseas can’t vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election. However, they can vote in the referendum.
Citizens of other European Union countries registered to vote in Scotland can vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election. However they can’t vote in the referendum.
Registering to vote
If you are not registered, you will not be able to vote.
Most people register using the form that is sent to each household every year. If you are not sure if you are registered, contact the Electoral Registration Office as soon as possible.
Application forms for registering to vote or changing your details are available in local libraries, or from the Scottish Assessors Association.
Please complete, sign and return the form by fax, scanned email or by post by 18 April 2012.
Ways of voting
There are three ways of voting:
- In person: You can vote in person at your local polling place. A member of staff will always be available to help you, if you are not sure what to do. You will receive a poll card telling you where your polling place is. It is often a nearby community centre or other public building.
If you do not receive your poll card, you can contact your local council to find out where your polling station is. Polling places are open from 7am to 10pm. If you have not been issued with a ballot paper by 10pm you won’t be able to vote, so make sure you arrive in plenty of time before then.
- By post: You can apply to vote by post. You will need to fill in an application form and send it to arrive at your local electoral registration office by 5pm on Thursday 18 April 2012. You can get an application form the Scottish Assessors Association.
A postal ballot paper can be sent to your home address or to any other address, even overseas.
You should receive your ballot paper by around 24 April 2012. If it doesn’t arrive, you can get a replacement from 27 April 2012 by calling 01786 443301. Also call this number for a replacement if your postal ballot paper gets lost or accidentally spoiled.
- By proxy: Voting by proxy means allowing somebody you trust to vote on your behalf. You will need to fill in a form and send it to arrive at the Electoral Registration Office by 5pm on 25 April 2012.
More information is available on the Electoral Commission and About My Vote websites.
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