CONCERNS RAISED THAT people in Moray have been ‘vanishing’ off the electoral register for no apparent reason has prompted an investigation.
Region MSP Douglas Ross became concerned when a number of constituents raised the issue of their sudden apparent exclusion from the electoral register.
Last year there was similar concerns as changes were made to the way people are recorded on the register – previously, a single named householder would register all eligible voters in a household. That changed so that each individual had to register themselves – and it led to an initial large fall in the number of people who were registered to vote.
However, the latest situation has been clarified and has mainly been caused by people moving house or students who have been returning home from studies.
Mr Ross discussed the issue with the Grampian Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer, Ian Milton, and following these he said: “It is vitally important that a person’s right to vote goes unhindered and people in Moray should have full confidence that their entry on the register is accurate.
“A number of concerned residents contacted me after they had dropped off the register and would not be able to re-join until the December update.
“These cases highlighted the importance of making sure that the register is up to date, particularly if someone has moved back to the area – and the assurance I was given by Mr Milton will hopefully answer some of the queries which were raised, including the fact that these people would get a vote if a poll were held prior to the full update in December.
“I would encourage anyone who is concerned to check their entry on the register, which can be done at libraries throughout Moray or online with more information available on the website www.votemoray.org”
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