Karen M Donnelly, Chief Solicitor & Monitoring Officer
Publication:
This Technical Note will be published on the Council’s website following circulation to Members. Its contents may be disclosed or shared outwith the Council.
Section
The purpose of this Technical Note is to update Members on the ongoing measures to publicise Voter ID and Postal Vote requirements for the next UK Parliamentary election.
Members will be aware that there requires to be a UK Parliamentary election by 28th January 2025 and that planning is under way for this.
In addition to the usual considerations, the Election Act 2022 introduces new requirements which in Scotland, only extend to UK Parliamentary elections. The most significant of these relate to Voter ID and changes to Postal Votes.
The Council is implementing a suite of measures to raise awareness of the need for Voter ID and the application process for a Voter Authority Certificate. These include social media messaging, a distinct page on the Council’s website, posters and decals for various vehicles in the Council’s fleet.
In addition to the above, plans are also in place to publicise changes to the rules around the making and submission of postal votes, and this will be scaled up once the election is called.
In order to support this awareness raising campaign, flyers have been prepared for the use of Members e.g. at face to face surgeries etc. An initial supply will be issued along with the Planning Board Agenda. The flyers include details relating to both Voter ID and Postal Votes.
Should any Member require additional leaflets once the initial supply is exhausted, please contact Members Support in the first instance.
