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Orkney voters are being urged to check they are registered to vote ahead of the council elections across Scotland on May 3.

Electoral Registration Officers throughout Scotland are asking everyone to check NOW that they are registered to vote at their current address - particularly if they have moved address in the last year or can’t remember returning the annual canvass form sent to all households late last year.

Dennis Stevenson, Electoral Registration Officer for Orkney said: “If you want to have your say on which Councillors represent you here in Orkney then you need to be on the electoral register.

“It is particularly important people check, as every year electors are removed when they do not respond to the annual canvass forms posted in the autumn or fail to apply to register when they move address.

“Not being registered will prevent you from voting and could also affect your credit rating.

“Any elector can choose to vote by post rather than in person on polling day at their allocated polling station. 

“If you are not already a registered postal voter and wish to apply then you should apply as soon as possible by downloading a form from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or by contacting us on the number below.”

The deadline  for receipt of completed applications to register to vote or to vote by post in the May 3 elections is 18 April - but voters are encouraged to apply as soon as possible by contacting the Electoral Registration Office at 8 Broad Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1NX or calling (01856) 876222 or by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it