Parties unite for voting campaign
Published 3 Apr 2012 12:30
POLITICAL parties across Scotland have joined forces to take part in national Register to Vote day today (April 3)
Electoral Commission research shows that 44 per cent of people who are not registered to vote mistakenly believe they are.
Those particularly at risk of losing the chance to have their say are people who have moved house since last autumn, and younger people.
The group of MSPs making the call to register include Derek Mackay, minister for Local Government, Sarah Boyack from the Scottish Labour Party, Patrick Harvie of the Scottish Green Party, Alison McInnes of the Scottish Liberal Democrats and Margaret Mitchell of the Scottish Conservative Party. In a joint statement they said:
"Your local council makes decisions which affect you every day from education to housing and from recycling to care services. Whichever way you plan to vote at the local council elections on May 3 you will need to be registered to have your say on the issues that matter to you. Make sure you are registered to vote by the deadline of 18 April by visiting www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.\"
The Electoral Commission has this week launched a Scotland-wide public information campaign to ensure that voters know how to register and vote in the elections on 3 May.
The Commission are sending an information booklet to all 2.5 million households in Scotland which includes information on the voting system which will be used at the elections.
Andy O'Neill, Head of the Scotland Office at the Electoral Commission said: "At the council elections on 3 May voters will number candidates in order of their choice instead of using a cross. It's your vote so make sure your choices count on election day by looking out out for the booklet coming through your door or downloading it now at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk."
This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 03 Apr 12
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