It’s never too early to register to vote – and if you want to have your say in any elections then it’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure you’re able to take part.
Registering to vote is quick and easy. You can do it online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote in a few minutes. If you’d rather do it by post or can’t access the internet, you can contact the Electoral Registration Office on 01586 555300 – they can check whether you’re already registered or can send you out a registration form if you need one.
The next election taking place in Argyll and Bute is a by-election in Ward 1, South Kintyre, where there is one vacant seat. If you live in this ward area and want to have a say in deciding who will become your local councillor, you do need to be registered to vote first.
The electoral register – the list of people who have registered and are able to vote – is maintained and updated annually. You only need to register once each year in order to be able to take part in any elections that take place (although for a by-election like this, only people registered at local addresses are eligible).
You also have choices about how to vote – in person, by post or by proxy (where you appoint someone else to cast your vote for you at the polling station). If you live in South Kintyre, have already registered and want to apply for a postal vote for the upcoming by-election, you need to apply by 18 October 2023. The deadline for proxy vote applications is 25 October 2023. You can find more information about how to apply at Apply for a postal vote - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and Proxy voting application forms - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The deadline for registration for the Argyll and Bute Council by-election is Tuesday 17 October 2023, so there’s still time to make sure you can take part. Voting takes place on Thursday 2 November.