Edinburgh’s residents are being urged to think about their vote, with 99 days until the next Local Government Election.
People across the capital are being reminded that they will be voting for councillors to represent them in Edinburgh’s 17 wards on Thursday, 5 May, with three or four councillors elected in each ward.
In 2017, 63 councillors were elected to represent the City of Edinburgh Council, with a 50.5% turnout for the city – up from 42.6% in 2012.
While most people who registered to vote in time for the Scottish Parliament Elections in 2021 will still be eligible to take part, first time voters or anyone who has since moved will need to register again.
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said:
With 99 days to go, it’s a good time to make sure you’re registered to vote in the upcoming local council election on 5 May. No matter where you were born, if you’re aged 16 or over and you live in Edinburgh you can vote in this election.
Taking part in the democratic process is extremely important and I would encourage everyone to consider how they would like to cast their vote either in person by post or by proxy.
Running an election in the Capital is no mean feat, and preparations are well underway to ensure a successful election with plans for any additional restrictions required due to the ongoing pandemic. For example, on polling day there will be additional hygiene and distancing measures at polling places to keep voters and staff safe.
We’re keen to continue the enthusiasm demonstrated by voters during last year’s Scottish Parliament Election when we had the same range of safety measures in place. Voting should not be a once in a lifetime activity – elections are opportunities to have a say on issues that matter to us all.
I would encourage everyone to register by 18 April, so you have the opportunity to vote on 5 May, as the local councillors you elect make important decisions on provision of public services, including education, social care, waste management, libraries, planning and much more on behalf of Edinburgh residents.
Anyone who is keen to register or is unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.
Key dates and times:
- Register to vote by midnight on Monday 18 April
- Register for postal or proxy vote by 5pm on Tuesday 19 April
- Apply for emergency proxy votes by 5pm on Thursday 5 May
- Vote in person at polling places between 7am and 10pm on 5 May
- Ballot papers will be counted on Friday 6 May
- Voters can obtain more information about the elections and how to vote at http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/
