Election Office
Scottish Parliamentary Election and
UK Referendum 5 May 2011
On Thursday 5 May 2011, two major election events are taking place - the elections to the Scottish Parliament and a referendum on the voting system for the UK Parliament.
Scottish Parliament
Elections to the Scottish Parliament are held every four years. There are 129 elected members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) - 73 are constituency members elected using the first-past-the post system. The remaining 56 are Regional Members, who are elected using the party list system. If you live in Scotland, you are represented by eight MSPs; one represents your Scottish Parliament constituency and the other seven all represent your region. Visit the Scottish Parliament website to find out more.
UK Referendum
A referendum is a vote on a specific question. The referendum on 5 May 2011 is on proposals to change the voting system for the House of Commons in the UK Parliament. For this referendum, you will be asked:
“At present, the UK uses the ‘first past the post’ system to elect MPs to the House of Commons. Should the ‘alternative vote’ system be used instead?”
Register to Vote
To be able to vote in this year's Scottish Parliament Election or UK Referendum your name must be on the Register of Electors and you must be 18 years or over on the day of the election. To be entered onto the register you must be a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen who is resident in the UK. If you are not on the register of electors then you will not be able to vote. See My Vote for more information on eligibility and how to vote.
Contact Details
If you wish to obtain registration forms or if you have any questions on whether you are registered to vote, postal votes or proxy votes, please contact the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) at:
The Electoral Registration Officer
42 Point Street
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2XF
Tel: 01851 706262
Fax: 01851 706843
e-mail: assessor@highland.gov.uk
For More Information Contact
Election Office
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Sandwick Road
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2BW
Tel: 01851 822823
Fax: 01851 705349
e-mail: elections@cne-siar.gov.uk
