The Scottish Parliamentary Election takes place on Thursday 6th May 2021.
Everyone in Scotland is represented by eight Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) - one constituency MSP and seven MSPs for the larger region in which they live.
For voters living in the Argyll and Bute constituency, this means they will be asked to elect one Constituency MSP and one Regional MSP for the Argyll and Bute area within the Highlands and Islands Region.
To take part in this election, you must be registered to vote. If you’re not sure whether you are registered, you can check with the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 980 0470. They can send you out a registration form if you need one. You can also register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote - it’s quick and easy to do. Only people registered to vote at an address in Scotland will be able to take part in this election.
The deadline for registering to vote in the Argyll and Bute Council election is Monday 19th April 2021.
You can also vote by post or by proxy (where you appoint someone to cast your vote on your behalf). The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on Tuesday 6th April and if you want to apply for a proxy vote you need to do so by 5pm on Tuesday 27th April. You can find out more about this at www.electoralcommission.org.uk – and if you want to apply for a postal or proxy vote for this election, it’s best to do this as soon as possible so that you can make sure you’re able to take part. The Electoral Registration Office deals with applications for postal or proxy votes as well as registration and you can apply online at the link above.
A list of polling stations will be published at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/elections - there may be changes to your usual polling station so please check your polling card or online so that you know where you need to go to cast your vote.
Anyone who is interested in standing for election or who has any other queries about the election process can contact Argyll and Bute Council’s Elections Team in the first instance on 01546 603264. You can also email elections@argyll-bute.gov.uk or visit www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/elections to find out about the nominations process and what you need to do next if you are interested in standing for election as an MSP.
Please note that residents in Helensburgh and Lomond are part of the Dumbarton constituency and the West Scotland region – if this applies to you, you can find the information you need at Upcoming Elections | West Dunbartonshire Council (west-dunbarton.gov.uk)