#WelcomeToYourVote

#WelcomeToYourVote is encouraging everyone who is 16 or over, resident in Scotland and who is not already included in the Register of Electors, to register to vote so they can participate in the Council elections on Thursday 5 May.

Due to recent changes in the law this will include people who have been resident in Scotland, in some cases for many years, who have until recently not qualified to vote in local elections, These elections will be the first opportunity for many foreign nationals to have a say on who they want to represent them in their council. This was previously restricted to British, Commonwealth and EU citizens. The Council makes decisions on a range of issues which affect our everyday lives, including education, social care, housing, transport services and rubbish and recycling collection.

To participate in these elections you must be registered to vote by midnight on Monday 18 April. You can register now at gov.uk/register-to-vote it only takes five minutes.

For more information about voting in elections in Scotland go to the Electoral Commission’s website: electoralcommission.ork.uk/voter or contact that local Electoral Registration Office, tel: 01595 745700 or email: ero@shetland.gov.uk