VOTERS at the upcoming Scottish election can now cast their votes through the post.

Postal Voting Packs have started being delivered for the Scottish Parliament Election on Thursday May 5 and, as postal voters can ask someone they know to help them, personal carers are being asked this year to help their service users in East Ayrshire to complete their postal voting forms if they need help.

Six hundred personal carers who work within the East Ayrshire area have received advice from the Constituency Returning Officer on how they can help postal voters properly fill in and return their postal votes. This includes ensuring that the elector’s signature and date of birth go in the designated boxes, unless a waiver has been granted in which case there will be no signature box and only the date of birth is required. Personal carers are aware of the need for strict confidentiality at all times.

Fiona Lees, Constituency Returning Officer for the constituencies covering the East Ayrshire area, said: “There are a significant number of postal voters in this area and I don’t want anyone to lose their vote through possible errors being made on the postal vote stationery. The availability of East Ayrshire personal carers, who are known to service users, to help them when help is required, is therefore welcomed.

“In general, anyone who receives a postal voting pack should make sure they read and follow the instructions carefully. Don’t forget to include your date of birth and signature on the Postal Voting Statement to make sure your vote counts.”

Completed postal paperwork must be received by the Constituency Returning Officer by 10pm on 5 May at the latest. As soon as you have completed your ballot papers and postal vote statement, place them in the envelope provided and post them immediately to make sure they are received in good time.

Completed postal paperwork can also be returned to a local polling station within the relevant constituency by 10pm on the day of the election.

For further information, visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.