Voting is now under way as Edinburgh plays its part in the Scottish Parliament Election 2016.
Residents can cast their vote at the city’s 145 polling places between 7am and 10pm today, Thursday 5 May, to have their say on who will represent them at Holyrood.
More than 366,000 citizens have registered to vote, with around 70% of the city’s approximately 74,000 postal voters having already returned their papers.
The public are being reminded to think carefully before casting their vote, and ensuring they do so by marking one clear X on both their constituency and regional ballot papers.
Andrew Kerr, Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “Months of preparation have led up to this point, and I hope that we see a great turnout of voters across the city, similarly to recent elections.
“We want everyone to be able to have their say in this significant vote, and don’t want anyone to miss out on the opportunity because they’re not sure how to. Therefore, I would urge voters to take extra care when filling out their ballot papers.”
Polling places will be open between 7am and 10pm today, Thursday, 5 May, though the public are being advised to avoid busy periods, expected to be before and after normal working hours. Where possible, voters are encouraged to visit mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
Information on local polling places can be found on the polling card delivered to homes or online.
Postal voters who have not yet returned their ballot paper by post will still be able to hand it in at Waverley Court or City Chambers receptions or at any Edinburgh polling place before 10pm.
Those planning to take part in the Election are also being advised to take great care when filling out their ballot paper, by marking a single X next to their choice on both their regional and constituency ballot papers. Additional comments, marks or mistakes can result in a vote not being counted.
The secrecy of ballot papers is important as it ensures no one feels under pressure to vote in a particular way.
Once your vote has been cast
All votes are secure and accounted for so that the final result can be trusted. Every ballot paper, whether used, unused or spoilt, is accounted for and treated as highly sensitive and confidential.
Votes will be counted as soon as possible after the close of the poll at 10pm.
Full details of vote security and counting are available online.
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Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
