Sign up or lose your council election vote

To take part in polling day on Thursday, May 4, East Renfrewshire voters must make sure they are registered.

The call for voters to sign up comes as the Electoral Commission launches a national voter registration campaign to encourage as many people as possible to register ahead of the elections.

East Renfrewshire Council is now also reminding voters that they need to register by the deadline of Monday, April 17, otherwise they won’t be able to cast their vote.

Lorraine McMillan, East Renfrewshire’s Returning Officer, said: “Many people assume that they are automatically on the electoral register because they pay council tax – this is not the case.

“Others turn up to vote and find out that they are not on the electoral roll because they forgot to tell us that they have moved house. Time is running out to make sure you can take part in elections this May, so I’d encourage everyone in East Renfrewshire to take action now if they’re not already registered to vote.

“It’s quick and easy to register, but after the deadline of April 17, it will be too late.”

Andy O’Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, added: “Our research shows that young people, students and recent home movers are particularly less likely to be registered to vote.

“So if you have moved house recently, then make sure you’re registered correctly.

“If you’re not registered, you won’t be able to have your say on issues that directly affect your day-to-day life in East Renfrewshire.”

To register to vote, visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote before Monday, April 17.