Ballot papers for postal voters in Moray will be arriving on doormats over the next few days ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary election on Thursday, May 5.

Ballot papers for postal voters in Moray will be arriving on doormats over the next few days ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary election on Thursday, May 5.

The first issue of postal votes were despatched on Wednesday 13 April to postal voters who registered before and up to 1April.

A further issue of postal votes is expected on 25 April for all those voters who registered to vote by post between 2April and by the deadline of 19 April.

Returning Officer for Moray, Mark Palmer, is advising postal voters to make sure they read and follow the instructions carefully before completing and returning their ballot papers.

“Don’t forget to include your date of birth and signature on the postal voting statement,” he said.

“Without this accompanying statement your ballot papers can’t be counted.”

“This statement is kept separate from your ballot papers when the postal votes are processed so your vote is always secret. Follow the instructions in the pack to make sure your vote counts.”

Mr Palmer also advised voters to ensure they return their ballot papers promptly making sure that when they seal their return envelope that the Returning Officer’s return address can be seen through the window of Envelope B.A pictorial guide on how to fill in your postal vote can be found here and following links to ‘Scottish Parliamentary election’

Postal ballot papers must be received by the Returning Officer by 10pm on 5 May at the latest so once completed the ballot papers and postal vote statement must be placed in the envelope and returned to make sure that it is received in good time.

There is still time to register for a proxy vote for the election (where some you have appointed that you trust cast your vote for you, if you are away) if you are going to be away on Thursday 5 May, but voters must apply by 5pm on Tuesday 26 April. Electors should contact the Elgin electoral registration office on 01343 541203 or visit www.votemoray.org for more information.

Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 92,500 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.

Headquartered in  Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.