The Scottish Parliament has powers to make laws for Scotland in a range of areas including health, education, housing, justice and the environment.

To vote in the election, residents must be on the electoral register by midnight on Monday 19 April. It takes five minutes to apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

“The Scottish Parliament elections are an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect your day-to-day life,” said North Lanarkshire Returning Officer Des Murray.

“If you’re not registered by 19 April, you won’t be able to vote so please take a few minutes to register now.”

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 be following all public health guidance on 6 May.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 6 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 27 April.

For information on how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or by proxy, visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter.