TWO Scottish councils have issued updates amid concerns about delays to postal votes ahead of the election.
It comes after John Swinney raised concerns over reports that thousands of people have yet to receive their postal votes in what he called a “deeply unacceptable situation”.
He had previously raised the alarm about the issue when the election was first called by Rishi Sunak.
Here’s all you need to know.
Edinburgh City Council
The City of Edinburgh Council said it is taking urgent steps to ensure all residents can vote in next Thursday’s election.
From June 28, and over the weekend, anyone who has yet to receive their postal votes, and will not be at home next week, can go to the City Chambers to have their voting pack re-issued.
A polling booth will be set up for those wishing to cast their vote there and then.
The facility will open from 5pm on Friday, June 28 and then from 9am to 5pm on June 29 and 30.
Voters have been told to come with photo ID although the council did add that Royal Mail has said all packs should be delivered by Saturday at the latest.
However, it also added that people who are not at home next week are the ones being prioritised.
“If you will be at home next week, please wait for delivery and only contact us early next week if you are still without your pack,” the council said.
People with questions should email elections@edinburgh.gov.uk in the first instance or call 0131 200 2315.
Perth and Kinross Council
Perth and Kinross Council also issued an update on Twitter/X, saying that it was aware of a “number of residents” who had not received their postal votes.
It explained the reason for this was due to “ongoing issues with suppliers and Royal Mail nationally” and welcomed a review from the Electoral Management Board on the matter after the election.
The council added: “Meantime, given the tight timescale, we’ve been engaging with Royal Mail locally who have assured us that they’re focusing efforts on clearing the backlog of deliveries and we are hopeful that residents still waiting for a postal vote will receive this in the coming days.
We’re aware that, in line with the experience across Scotland, a number of residents in Perth and Kinross are reporting that they have not received their postal votes. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/3XrDFSZxge
— Perth and Kinross Council (@PerthandKinross) June 27, 2024
“Any resident who has applied for a postal vote for the Perth and Kinross-shire constituency who still hasn’t received a pack by Monday, July 1 should contact elections@pkc.gov.uk.”
What if my ballot is lost or damaged?
According to the UK Government’s website, these are the steps to follow if you’re ballot is lost or damaged.
It says you can either:
- Ask your local Electoral Registration Office to post a replacement
- Collect a replacement from your local Electoral Registration Office up to 5pm on election day (or the day before on Northern Ireland)
However, it also adds: “You cannot vote at a polling station if you registered to vote by post but your ballot paper was lost or damaged.”
Can you take your postal vote to a polling station?
The UK Government's website also states what to do if you're too late to post your ballot paper.
If this is the case, you should take it to your local polling station by 10pm on election day, or the Electoral Registration Office before it closes.
The website adds: "Your vote will be rejected if you do not give your ballot paper to a member of staff at the polling station or Electoral Registration Office and complete a form. Do not post your ballot paper through the letterbox of the Electoral Registration Office.
"You can hand in your own postal vote and postal votes for up to 5 other voters. If you are a political campaigner, the 5 other voters must be family members or people you provide regular care for.
"If you are voting in Northern Ireland, you can only hand in your postal vote at an Electoral Registration Office."
