RESIDENTS in East Ayrshire council wards have been reminded that the deadline for registering to vote is approaching fast.

With just one week to go, returning officer Fiona Lees is urging East Ayrshire residents to make sure they are on the electoral list.

She said: “It’s important that everyone who is eligible to vote has the opportunity to do so, particularly 16 and 17 year olds who may be voting for the first time.

“Registering is easy, and you can do it online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

“Anyone without internet access can register by completing a paper form and returning it to the Electoral Registration office at 9 Wellington Square, Ayr by April 17.

“Even if you will be away on holiday, or think you might be caught up in work, you can still have your say by applying to vote by post or proxy.

“Registration and postal vote and proxy forms are all available by calling 01292 612221.”

Visit the council’s website to check who is standing in the various wards while the notice of poll is on public display at many locations.

A voting guide will be delivered to all households in the next few days which will tell you all you need to know about how to vote on May 4.

Research has shown that more than a quarter of Scots wrongly think that if you are old enough to vote then you are automatically registered.