The City of Edinburgh Council is taking action to ensure that all voters who may not have received their postal voting packs can still exercise their right to vote.

For anyone who has yet to receive their papers or who will not be at home next week the council has set up a polling booth in the City Chambers where voters can go and vote in privacy.

The facility will be open until 5pm on Friday and then from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Voters should go to the City Chambers on the High Street, with photo ID, and a replacement pack will be issued to them. 

The distribution of postal votes nationally has been hit by delays, but Royal Mail has confirmed that all packs should be delivered today or tomorrow. For anyone who will be at home next week the council advises waiting until the post has arrived on Saturday to see if they receive their papers.

Parking for those with a blue badge will be available in the quadrangle at the City Chambers.

Any queries can be directed to elections@edinburgh.gov.uk in the first instance or call the helpline on 0131 200 2315.

Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “I appreciate the concerns of voters on this issue and my absolute priority is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote in this General Election. That’s why we’ve taken the decision to put in extra resources and open the City Chambers this weekend. Please only attend if you haven’t received your postal vote and you’re going on holiday or won’t be at home next week.

“I’d encourage anyone who has already received their postal vote to return it as soon as possible, through Royal Mail.

“The timing of this election has been challenging as have other circumstances beyond our control, but our teams are working hard to ensure it passes off as smoothly and successfully as possible.”

© 2024 Martin McAdam