Scottish Borders

Q1 :Where can I check if my name is on the electoral register ?
A1 :The full register for Scottish Borders is available for public inspection at the Electoral Registration Office. Copies of the register, for your own area, are available for inspection at main council contact centres and local libraries. For details of your nearest Council Contact Centre or Library please click the links below.

For details of your nearest Library and to check opening times please click the link below.

Q2 :How do I register to vote ?
A2 :Registration forms are issued to all residential properties in Scottish Borders during the months September to November to identify electors resident in the area at 15th October. The Register compiled following this canvass is published on 1st December. Outwith this canvass period there are monthly updates to the register and you can apply to the Electoral Registration Officer to record you change of address. (A registration form for the monthly updates can be downloaded from this site).

Q3 :Who qualifies to be registered ?
A3 :British citizens, Commonwealth citizens and citizens of the Republic of Ireland are entitled to register and can vote at all types of elections. Citizens of other Member States of the European Community are entitled to register and can vote at Local Elections. On completion of an additional form, which will be issued by the Electoral Registration Officer, they can also vote at European Parliamentary Elections.

Q4 :What age must I be to register ?
A4 :You must be 18 years of age to vote but if you are 16 or 17 years old you can register now. If you still live at the same address on the date of your 18th birthday you will automatically be eligible to vote.

Q5 :How do I qualify for an absent vote ?
A5 : POSTAL VOTING New legislation has made postal voting much easier. There is now no need to explain why you want a postal vote. You can register to vote by post at any time (there is no need to wait for an election to be called). An application form to vote by post can be downloaded from this site.
PROXY VOTING In some circumstances the appointment of a Proxy who is entitled to vote on your behalf at a particular election may be appropriate. For example if you are on holiday and will be unable to return a postal ballot paper by the deadline. You can also apply to appoint a Proxy to vote on your behalf on a permanent basis if you have a physical incapacity or are studying or working away from home. An application form to appoint a Proxy can be downloaded from this site.

Q6 :I am a British Citizen but I live abroad, can I vote ?
A6 :If you are a British Citizen living abroad it is possible to register to vote, however, certain conditions apply. You must previously have lived in the UK and your name must have appeared on the Electoral Register within the past 15 years. Your registration will require to be renewed annually and you will only be entitled to vote at UK Parliamentary Elections and European Parliamentary Elections.

E-mail: ERO

The forms available on this website are provided in pdf format. These can be accessed with Adobe Acrobat Reader which can be downloaded, if required, by clicking the link below.