The Representation of the People Act 1983 places a duty on the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) to maintain the electoral register for their area and to conduct an annual canvass of all residential properties.

The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote. The register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote at an election.

To be eligible to register to vote a person must be:

• Aged 14 or over (a person may register to vote at 14, but may not vote until they are 16 for Scottish Parliament and council elections and aged 18 for UK Parliament elections)
• A British, Irish, EU or other foreign citizen who has leave to enter and remain in the UK or does not require such leave.

For more information on voting in elections in Scotland visit the Electoral Commission website.

This year the household canvass took place between July and November. Information collected during canvass was used to update the electoral register, published on 1 December 2023.

Residents not currently registered still have an opportunity to register in time for the next election . The easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Alternatively, contact our office and a member of our team can assist.

Copies of the full published register for each UK Parliamentary Constituency in Lothian are available to view at our office.