Register to Vote

#NVRD – Join the drive and register to vote today

Midlothian Council wants to encourage anyone not yet registered to vote, to take advantage of National Voter Registration Drive, which starts on Monday 1 February, and go online to register.

On Thursday 5 May 2016 voters in Midlothian will go to the polls for the Scottish Parliament election. This election will be the first time that 16 and 17 year olds have been able to vote for the Scottish Parliament but anyone who isn’t registered to vote won’t be able to take part and have their say.

The deadline to register to vote in these elections is Monday 18 April 2016. While there is still time, it’s running out quickly. The good news is that it only takes a few minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote . It’s a chance to join the thousands of people across the UK being encouraged to register this week.

Returning Officer Kenneth Lawrie said:

“Anyone not yet registered to vote should do so as soon as possible so they can have their say on issues that affect their day-to-day lives. I’d urge people living in Midlothian to use National Voter Registration Drive to spread the message amongst family and friends that it only takes a few minutes to complete the form and register to vote online.”

Andy O’Neill, Head of Electoral Commission, Scotland said:

“National Voter Registration Drive exists because it’s important that anyone who’s eligible to be on the register, but has not yet registered, does so. It’s easy and quick to do online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. This is the first time that 16 and 17 year olds will be able to vote for Scottish Parliament and as young people are much less likely to be registered to vote, #NVRD is as important as ever.”

Local residents can get a paper copy of the registration form by contacting the electoral registration office on 0131 344 2500.