The deadline is fast approaching to register to vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election on May 5 2016.

Polling cards have already been sent out to over one hundred thousand electors in the Falkirk Council area – if you haven’t received one you may not be registered to vote.

Registering is quick and easy to do online but must be completed by Monday 18th April 2016. The process only takes a few minutes and it can be done on www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

To cast a vote, all residents must be registered – including 16 and 17 year olds who can now vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election.  Anyone applying to register will need their national insurance number to complete their registration.

Pete Wildman, Electoral Registration Officer said: “Time is running out to be able to take part in the Scottish Parliamentary election. I’d encourage anyone who has still to register and who is aged 16 or over to apply now on the national website if they are a British, Commonwealth or European Union citizens.”

Anyone who wants to vote by post because they will not be able to go to their polling station on 5th May can apply now for a postal vote.

Forms are available online or can be collected in local libraries. They need to be completed, signed and returned to the ERO no later than 5pm on Tuesday 19th April to be in time for the 5th May election.