Make sure you’re ready to have your say on 5 May

29 April 2022 at 10:49:14

With just a week left until people in the Western Isles go to the polls, the Returning Officer is urging voters to get ready for the upcoming council elections.

Voters will have been sent a poll card in the weeks before polling day which will tell them where they should go to cast their vote. You can also search for your polling place on the Electoral Commission's website at  www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information.

Staff will be on hand to assist if you need any help at the polling place. Large print sample ballot papers and tactile voting devices will also be available to help those who are blind or partially sighted to vote.

There will be no poll in the uncontested wards of Barraigh agus Bhatarsaigh, Sgir' Ùige agus Carlabhagh and Sgìre an Rubha.

Malcolm Burr, Returning Officer for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said:

"Make sure you check the information on your poll card, as your polling place might have changed since the last election. You do not need your poll card to vote, but we encourage you to bring it with you to make the process quicker and more efficient.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 5 May. Voters who have opted to vote by post must return their postal ballot pack by 10pm on Thursday 5 May; they can hand it in at their polling place if they don't have time to return it by post."

Andy O'Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, said:

"At this election you number your candidates in order of choice, using a 1 for your first choice, a 2 for your second choice, a 3 for your third and so on. You can number as many or as few candidates as you choose. If you need any information on how to fill in your ballot paper then look out for the voter information leaflet we are sending to all households in Scotland or visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voter'.

If anyone is self-isolating or becomes unwell as a result of Covid-19, they don't need to miss out on having their say. They can apply for an emergency proxy vote up to 5pm on polling day, which allows them to nominate someone they trust to go to their polling place and vote on their behalf. For further information on how to apply for an emergency proxy, is available from the local electoral registration office on 42 Point Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2XF or telephone 01851 706262.

For further information on elections in your area, visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter. This page will continue to be updated ahead of the polls.