Encouraging young folk to vote in referendum

Young people in Orkney are being encouraged to ensure they are registered to vote in this year’s referendum on Scottish independence.

The referendum on September 18 provides 16 and 17-year-olds with the opportunity to vote in a major ballot for the first time.

Assistant electoral registration officer Dennis Stevenson said: “We are writing to those already on the Polling List to confirm that their name is included. We’re also contacting those who are not yet on the list – and inviting them to register. The young people we’re writing to will be 16 or 17 at the time of the referendum.

“The closing date for applications to be added to the register is September 2.  After that, if people aren’t on the polling list they won’t be able to vote in the referendum.”

Further information is also available on the Electoral Commission Website aboutmyvote.co.uk