News 
X Marks The Spot As Giant Haggises Back Vote Campaign
28 May 2009
Two giant life-size talking Macsween Haggises have today been shown how to cast their vote in the forthcoming European Parliament Elections by Andy O’Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland.
With a week to go before the election next Thursday 4 June, the Commission is mounting a final push to make sure people know how to complete the ballot paper correctly.
“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."
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 helped provide returning officers with 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 use one X.
“We are working hard to ensure that everyone is given clear information about how to cast a valid vote”, explained Andy O’Neill. “If anyone is not clear about what they should do they should ask staff in the polling place.”
People who have applied for postal votes are being asked to carefully read the instructions. This includes filling out the statement included with the postal voting pack. Once the ballot paper 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.
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For further information and to set up interviews 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.
