Emergency measures are in place to tackle delayed postal ballots for the general election across Dundee, Fife, Angus and Perth.
Many have yet to receive their ballot, prompting urgent action to ensure all voters can have their say before polls close at 10pm on July 4.
The Electoral Management Board for Scotland (EMB) said there have been “many difficulties experienced with the delivery of postal votes” across the country.
Fife Council say urgent action has been taken for voters yet to receive their ballot who will not be at home next week.
They will be able to attend Fife House in Glenrothes to collect a new ballot, and a private booth will be set up for those wishing to complete their postal vote there and then.
Other local authorities have put similar arrangements in place, including Dundee City Council.
FM ‘troubled’ by postal vote delay
First Minister John Swinney said he was “troubled” by the reports, warning it could even impact the final result.
He 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 SNP leader had already accused Rishi Sunak of being “disrespectful” with his decision to hold the election at a time when most schools in Scotland have finished for the summer and many families will be on holiday.
It is understood the issue is a result of problems printing the materials at short notice and Royal Mail delays.
The EMB said there have been “many difficulties experienced with the delivery of postal votes”.
Convenor Malcolm Burr said: “There have been and remain issues with both suppliers and with Royal Mail across Scotland which the electoral community are dealing with as best we can.
“It should be noted that the legal and logistical timetable for this election is very tight, exacerbated in Scotland by the holiday period commencing in many areas at the end of this week.”
What to do if you haven’t received your ballot
Dundee, Fife, Angus and Perth and Kinross councils say all those who have applied for a postal vote in the general election should receive their ballot pack no later than July 1.
Those who still have not received their pack are being asked to contact their local authority using the information below.
Perth: Anyone without their ballot by July 1 is asked to email elections@pkc.gov.uk
Fife: On Saturday June 29, voters who have yet to receive their postal votes and who will not be at home next week can go to Fife House and have their voting pack re-issued or hand them in.
The facility will be open on Saturday between 9am and 4pm. Voters should attend with photo ID.
Dundee: Email ero@dundeecity.gov.uk or telephone 01382 434444 for advice. Ballots can also be returned to the box office in City Square, open Monday to Wednesday between 9am-5pm.
Angus: Contact elections@angus.gov.uk. Ballots can also be returned to Angus House, Forfar.
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