In the last few days, electors in Shetland have received poll cards for the Scottish Parliament Election to be held on Thursday 6 May.
Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be following all public health guidance on 6 May.
The poll cards detail each elector’s voting arrangements on polling day. Careful note should be taken of any changes of polling station for this election. The most significant change for electors in Lerwick this time is that the polling station has moved from the Gilbertson Park Games Hall to the main hall at the Clickimin Centre.
For those who have already arranged to vote by post, their poll card will show details of how they will receive their postal ballot paper. If anyone has any details that need changed, such as the address to which their ballot paper will be sent, they should contact the Electoral Registration Office as soon as possible.
Voters whose poll card shows them voting in person on 6 May but instead would like to vote by post, can download an application form from www.orkney-shetland-vjb.co.uk Completed applications must be received by the Electoral Registration Office by 5pm on Tuesday 6 April.
An alternative to voting in person or by post is to appoint a proxy – a trusted person who will vote in your place. Details and application forms are available from the Electoral Registration Office. The closing date to appoint a proxy is 5pm on Tuesday 27 April.
Anyone who hasn’t received a poll card can apply to be added to the Register of Electors either online or by contacting the Electoral Registration Office for an application form. To be eligible to vote in this election, individuals must be resident in Scotland and be at least 16 years of age by 6 May 2021. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 19 April. It takes just five minutes to apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
The Electoral Registration Office can be contacted by phone on 01595 745700, by email at ero@shetland.gov.uk or by post to 20 Commercial Road, Lerwick, ZE1 OLX.