Fifers urged to make sure of their votes

On Thursday 5 May 2016 voters in Fife and the rest of Scotland will go to the polls for the Scottish Parliament elections.

This will be the first time that 16 and 17 year-olds have been able to vote in Scottish Parliament elections – but anyone who isn’t registered to vote won’t be able to take part and have their say.

The deadline to register to vote in these elections is Monday, April 18. Whilst there is still time, it is running out. However, it only takes a few minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Linda Bissett, electoral registration officer for Fife Council, said: “Anyone not yet registered to vote should do so as soon as possible so they can have their say on issues that affect their day-to-day lives.

“I’d urge people living in Fife to use National Voter Registration Drive to spread the message amongst family and friends that it only takes a few minutes to complete the form and register to vote online.”

Andy O’Neill, head of Electoral Commission Scotland, added: “National Voter Registration Drive exists because it’s important that anyone who’s eligible to be on the register, but has not yet registered, does so. It’s easy and quick to do online.

“This is the first time that 16 and 17 year-olds will be able to vote for Scottish Parliament and as young people are much less likely to be registered to vote, the National Voter Registration Drive is as important as ever.”

Fife residents can also get a paper copy of the registration form by contacting the electoral registration office on 03451 55 55 11.