Election 2016: Postal voters urged to take care

Postal voters urged to take care on completing ballot papers

MORAY VOTERS WHO choose to place their vote by post are being advised to ensure that they carefully read all instructions before completing and returning papers.

Returning officer for Moray is Mark Palmer, who has confirmed that ballot papers for postal voters will be arriving on doorsteps around Moray over the next few days.

To avoid papers being spoiled and not counting in the Scottish Parliament election on May 5, Mr Palmer urging care is taken in their completion and also to ensure that the papers are returned in the correct envelopes promptly.

He said: “Don’t forget to include your date of birth and signature on the postal voting statement – without this accompanying statement your ballot papers can’t be counted.

“This statement is kept separate from your ballot papers when the postal votes are processed so your vote is always secret. Follow the instructions in the pack to make sure your vote counts.”

A pictorial guide on how to fill in your postal vote can be found online here and follow links to ‘Scottish Parliamentary election’

Postal ballot papers must be received by the Returning Officer by 10pm on 5 May at the latest so once completed the ballot papers and postal vote statement must be placed in the envelope and returned to make sure that it is received in good time.

There is still time to register for a proxy vote for the election – the system where someone you nominate can be appointed to vote on your behalf if you are unable to attend the polling station on May 5.

For that voters must apply by 5pm on Tuesday 26 April. Electors should contact the Elgin electoral registration office on 01343 541203 or visit www.votemoray.org for more information.