With Council elections taking place in Shetland in May 2022, it’s important for people to check that their electoral registration details are up to date.
The Electoral Registration Office is getting in touch with every household to check, and to identify anyone who should be registered but are currently missing. With all nationalities able to vote in local elections in Scotland, this will be an important opportunity to ensure these new voters can get onto the electoral register before May.
Ian Leslie, Depute Electoral Registration Officer for Orkney and Shetland: “we’re asking folk to keep an eye out for our letter, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in Shetland, and that you are able to vote in any forthcoming elections. You might not have been able to vote before the extension of the voting rights last year, and you may be able to vote now – but only if you are registered
“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear on the letter that has been sent to your home. The easiest way to register is online, just follow the instructions on your letter.”
People who have recently moved home are particularly encouraged to look out for the letters from the Electoral Registration Office and check the details. Research by the Electoral Commission indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. Across Great Britain, 92% of people who have been at their property for more than 16 years will be registered, compared to 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.
Andy O’Neill is Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland: “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. Checking the messages that you will get from your Electoral Registration Office is the easiest way to see if you’re registered to vote. If you’re not, make sure you provide the necessary information to your Electoral Registration Officer when it is needed.
Information on registering to vote is available at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter
Anyone who has any questions can contact the Electoral Registration Office by calling 01595 745700, email: ero@shetland.gov.uk or by mail to 20 Commercial Road, Lerwick ZE1 0LX