Politics / Register to vote
SHETLAND residents are being reminded to ensure they are registered to vote in the upcoming snap general election on 8 June.
Poll cards will be sent out next week, but those who want a postal vote have been asked to contact the electoral registration office as soon as possible.
The deadline to register for postal votes is 5pm on 23 May, while proxy vote applications can be made until 5pm on 31 May.
Locals have also been reminded that the vote will not be open to 16 and 17 years, and also not to citizens of other EU member states.
Depute electoral registration officer for Orkney and Shetland Ian Leslie said those who are not registered with their current address can apply online.
“For those have recently moved address, or are aware that they are not currently registered, it’s quick and easy to register at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote – but after the deadline of 22 May, it will be too late to be involved,” he said.
“Usually we encourage electors to wait until they receive their poll cards, which give information on applying for postal and proxy votes, and then act if they are aware that they will not be able to attend their local polling station on the date of the election.
“However, with the very short lead-in to this election we would ask people to get in touch with our office as soon as possible.”
Those in contention for the Northern Isles seat in the election are Alistair Carmichael for the Liberal Democrats, SNP’s Miriam Brett, Robina Barton for Labour, Jamie Halcro Johnston for the Conservatives, Robert Smith for UKIP and Stuart Hill for Shetland and Orkney Sovereignty.
For more information about being registered to vote, contact the electoral registration office at 20 Commercial Road, Lerwick by phone on 01595 745700 or email ero@shetland.gov.uk
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