Today Scottish Refugee Council and The Electoral Commission have launched new online resources to support New Scots to vote for the first time.
In February 2020, the Scottish Parliament passed a new law extending the right to vote in Scottish elections to new groups of people. This included those with refugee status and leave to remain.
The new resources are for people with refugee status who want to know more about how to exercise their right to vote. And for people and groups who support New Scots communities.
Developed in consultation with New Scots, the resources aim to support and empower new voters to take part in Scottish elections.
View and download the resources here.
Hannah Pearson, policy officer at Scottish Refugee Council, said:
“The Scottish Parliament election in May 2021 will be a historic moment for refugee communities which have experienced long periods of disenfranchisement. We’re really pleased to launch these important resources today and hope they will be useful for any New Scots voting for the first time in Scotland.”
How do I register to vote?
You can register online at gov.uk/registertovote. The deadline for registering to vote in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election is midnight on Monday 19 April 2021.
If you’re unable to register online, you can register by post. Download a form at www.gov.uk/government/collections/register-to-vote-paper-forms.
