Campaign targets '˜missing voters' ahead of Holyrood poll

THE campaign will target thousands of voters missing from the electoral roll in the run-up to the Holyrood election

The new campaign will target missing voters.

The joint action by charity Shelter Scotland and the Electoral Commission is aimed at ensuring those living in rented or temporary accommodation and the homeless are aware of their right to vote on May 5.

Research by the Electoral Commission indicates that only 63.3% of those who rent from a private landlord were registered to vote in 2014, compared to 93.6% of people who own their home outright and 89.3% who own with a mortgage.

The Scotland-wide voter registration campaign was launched in Edinburgh with the help of a nine-foot inflatable ballot box.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “With only 100 days to go until the election, we are targeting the thousands of people across Scotland who are not on the electoral roll and therefore cannot currently vote.

“We’ve joined forces with the Electoral Commission to encourage people who may be living in rented accommodation, temporary housing or are homeless to register to vote and to make it as easy as possible for them to do so.

“Shelter Scotland wants to make sure that whatever their circumstances, people have the chance to vote and make their voice heard.”

Andy O’Neill, head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, added: “No-one should miss out on voting in the Scottish Parliament election just because they rent or don’t have a permanent address.

“You can register using a temporary address or by making a declaration of local connection to register at a location where you spend a large proportion of your time.

“You will need to register by the deadline of 18 April to have your say so go online and do it now at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote”

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