To register, go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote; you just need your National Insurance number, date of birth and address. 

Young people aged 16 and 17 are eligible to vote in these elections. 

Council elections are taking place across Scotland on Thursday 5 March, to elect councillors to each council ward. In North Lanarkshire there are 21 wards, with three or four councillors representing each ward.

“It’s important that everyone who is eligible is able to use their vote in the Council elections and make their voice heard,” said Des Murray, Returning Officer for North Lanarkshire.

“So I would encourage residents to take a few minutes to make sure they’re registered by 18 April. It’s quick and easy to do online.”

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.  

For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will follow all public health guidance.  

The deadline for applications for new postal votes, postal proxy votes and amendments to, or cancellation of, existing postal or existing proxy votes is 5pm on 19 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 26 April.  

For more information and to apply for a postal or proxy vote, visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter