Andy O’Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, is today (May 26) visiting the Gala bakers to sample the specially created bannock as part of a Scotland-wide tour, from the Border to the Highlands, to ensure people are aware how to vote.

 

“We have a simple message”, said Andy O’Neill. “Just mark one X in one blank box next to the party or candidate that you wish to support”.

 

“What better way to get across the message than introduce Scots to the Crossed bannock, a special election variation of the much loved original”, added Andy O’Neill. “So as people enjoy their bannock they are reminded to use one X on the ballot paper when they vote”

 

In the 2007 Scottish Parliament and local Government elections voters were asked to use two different voting methods on two ballot papers. This time they only need to put one X on one ballot paper.

 

The Electoral Commission is working with local authorities across Scotland to ensure that Scottish voters are clear about what they have to do when they get into the polling booth on 4 June 2009.

 

The Electoral Commission has designed a clear simple poster for polling booths. This explains how to cast a valid vote. Presiding Officers will also explain to voters that they simply need to mark a ballot paper with one X.

 

“We are working hard to ensure that everyone is given clear information about how to make sure their vote counts”, explained Andy O’Neill. “If anyone is not clear about what they should do they should ask staff in the polling place.”

 

With postal votes now being issued across Scotland, the Electoral Commission are urging people to read the instructions when they receive them. This includes filling out the statements included with the postal voting pack. Once the statement has been filled in it should be signed and the date of birth provided. It should then be sealed and sent back.

 

Polling places will be open from 7:00am to 10:00pm on 4 June 2009.

 

The campaign follows the Electoral Commission’s campaign to ensure that Scots are registered to vote, which included television, posters and press advertising.

 

For more information on how to vote in the European Parliament Elections visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.

 

/ends

For further information please contact:

Lynne Veitch or Shaheena Abbas on 0131 556 0770 Out of hours: 07967 11 11 97 Email elections@pagodapr.com

 

Notes to editors

 

1.    For more information about the elections, including to visit our virtual polling station, visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

 

2.    The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Our aim is integrity and public confidence in the UK’s democratic process. We regulate party and election finance and set standards for well-run elections. The responsibility for running elections and overseeing the count lies with Returning Officers and the Electoral Commission reports afterwards on the administration of elections in the UK.

 

3.    Andy O’Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission is available for interviews – including radio interviews. Please call to arrange.