One-Tenth of Highland Electorate Seek a Postal Vote

26th May 2009

A total of 18,340 Highland residents have asked to vote by post at the forthcoming European Parliamentary elections. The electorate in Highland is 171,601.

For the first time in a Highland election, voters are required to give their date of birth and signature when completing their postal vote. This is to increase the security of postal voting and tackle electoral fraud. Special provision can be made for those who are unable to sign the form.

Postal votes were be sent out on Friday 22nd May 2009. Once received, voters should mark their single vote - a cross (X) - on the ballot paper, and seal it in the envelope provided. They must also complete the postal vote security statement by signing it and entering their date of birth in the boxes provided. Signatures and dates of birth are checked before the separately sealed ballot paper envelope is placed ina ballot box, ensuring the secrecy of votes.

Voters are asked to ensure they send it back so that it arrives by close of poll, which is 10pm on Thursday 4 June. If it arrives later than this, the vote will not be counted.

Those who choose to vote at a polling station can do so between 7 am and 10 pm on Thursday 4 June. A total of 286 polling stations across the Highlands are being used.

In Scotland, there are 12 parties featured on the ballot paper. Each party has put forward a list of candidates known as a regional list and the names appear in order of priority. There is also one independent candidate.

The count will take place on Sunday 7 June at Inverness Leisure and the result of the Highland vote announced around 9.30 pm. It will be relayed to the Regional Returning Officer for Scotland, who is expected to announce the six successful Scottish MEPS the following day.