Renfrewshire Council 14 Aug 2020 Don’t lose your voice – residents in Renfrewshire urged to check their voter registration details are up to date

Local residents are being warned not to lose their democratic voice by ensuring their electoral registration details are up to date.

With Scottish Parliament elections set to take place in May 2021, it is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.

The Electoral Registration Officer will be getting in touch with every household to check that the electoral register is up to date, and to identify any residents who should be registered but are currently missing.

Kate Crawford, Electoral Registration Officer for Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board, said: “Residents need to keep an eye out for messages from Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in Renfrewshire and you are able to vote in any forthcoming elections.

“You might not have been able to vote before, but with the extension of voting rights, you may be able to vote now – but only if you are registered”.

People who have moved recently are also particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration messages from Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board and check the details are accurate.

Sandra Black, Returning Officer for Renfrewshire, said: “It’s extremely important that residents ensure their details are up to date and that they are registered to vote in the next election.

“You can only exercise your democratic voice if you are registered correctly, so please don’t assume that you are and check the information carefully when contacted by the Electoral Registration Officer.”

With all nationalities now able to vote in Scottish Parliament and council elections, this is an important opportunity to ensure new voters can get onto the electoral register before next year’s Scottish Parliament election.

Andy O’Neill, Head of Electoral Commission in Scotland, said: “It doesn’t matter where you were born. If you are aged 16 and over you are able to vote in elections in Scotland but only if you register to vote first. Making sure you provide the necessary information to your electoral registration office when it is needed will ensure the process runs smoothly..

“There’s lots of helpful information about registering to vote on our website https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter.”

If you’re not currently registered, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Any residents who have any questions can contact their local registration team at ero@renfrewshire-vjb.gov.uk, call 0300 300 0150 or visit www.renfrewshire-vjb.gov.uk.