Register to vote

You must be on the register of electors to be able to vote. You can register to vote for this year's council elections:

• if you are 18 or over, or will be 18 on or before 3 May 2012
• if you are a British or Commonwealth Citizen
• if you are an EU national
• even if you are homeless or living in temporary or long-term hostel accommodation

How to Register to Vote

A registration form is sent to homes every autumn but you can check if you are registered to vote at the Local Government Elections on 3 May 2012 by:

• Calling the Electoral Registration Office on 0131 344 2500

It is also possible to apply to vote by post or to apply for someone to vote on your behalf (a proxy vote).

Your chance to win

To encourage everyone to get involved in the local elections we are offering the chance to win a selection of fantastic prizes.

All you have to do to be entered into our prize draw is simply commenting our `Make your vote count' blog post with the date of the first election you voted in and why, or tell us why you'll be voting for the first time this year.

What happens after you've registered to vote?

If you have chosen to vote at a polling station you will receive a poll card which shows the name and address of your polling station.  If you have asked to vote by post you will receive a letter explaining how to vote and when you will receive your postal vote.

Deadlines for Registering to Vote on 3 May 2012