A Scottish local authority has taken emergency measures to ensure residents in the city are able to cast their vote amid a nationwide delay in the delivery of postal votes.
The City of Edinburgh Council has taken urgent steps to open a special polling booth at the City Chambers from Friday for those who have not yet received a ballot and will not be home next week.
Open until 5pm on Friday and from 9am until 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, the special booth will allow those who will not be at home on July 4 and have not received their postal vote to vote in person.
Residents will also be able to attend in person at the City Chambers to have their voting pack reissued.
Residents will need to bring photo ID with them, as will all voters on July 4 across the UK.
It’s not yet clear if other local authorities in Scotland will take similar measures.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the General Election last month, leading to criticism from First Minister John Swinney that it coincided with Scotland’s school summer holidays.
It was reported earlier this week that many Scots who had signed up for a postal vote on time had yet to receive their ballot in the mail.
More than 25% of the electorate votes via post and the First Minister has raised concerns the delay could impact the result of the General Election as families head abroad before their ballot arrives.
Highlighting there could be a “lot of seats that are very close contests” in Scotland, SNP leader Swinney said: “In an election where there will be a number of marginal contests in Scotland, because there is a really intense contest going on here in Scotland, I am worried people will be disenfranchised.”
The Electoral Management Board (EMB) for Scotland said there had been “many difficulties” with the delivery of postal votes.
It has called for a “major review” into the way the postal voting system works in the country.
STV NewsThe Royal Mail has confirmed that all packs should be delivered on Friday or Saturday at the latest.
The City of Edinburgh Council said it would prioritise voters who will not be at home on July 4.
Returning officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence, said: “I appreciate the concerns of voters on this issue and my absolute priority is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote in this General Election.
“That’s why we’ve taken the decision to put in extra resources and open the City Chambers this weekend. Please only attend if you haven’t received your postal vote and you’re going on holiday or won’t be at home next week.
“I’d encourage anyone who has already received their postal vote to return it as soon as possible, through Royal Mail.
“The timing of this election has been challenging as have other circumstances beyond our control, but our teams are working hard to ensure it passes off as smoothly and successfully as possible.”
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