Referendum deadline reminder . . .

The deadline for registering to vote in the September 18 independence referendum is a few days away.

People have until midnight on Tuesday, September 2, to register to vote, and 5pm on Wednesday, September 3, to apply for a postal or proxy vote.

Orkney’s counting officer, Alistair Buchan, is stressing the importance of acting now.

He said: “I’d urge voters to be mindful of these deadlines – including the need to obtain, fill out and return forms before the cut-off dates – and to contact the local electoral registration office sooner rather than later if they are unsure about any aspect of their eligibility to vote.”

Everyone registered to vote should now have received their official polling card, with the exception of those registered in recent weeks – these polling cards will be issued soon after the next electoral register updates.

Anyone with concerns should contact the electoral registration office on 876222 as soon as possible.