THERE are now fewer than 100 days until the Scottish Parliament Election – and people across North Ayrshire are being urged to check they are eligible to have their say.

Voters will go to the polls on Thursday, May 5, 2016, to elect 129 members to the Scottish Parliament - but only those who are on the Electoral Register will be able to cast their vote.

As the countdown to the big day begins, people are being reminded: ‘Your Vote Matters – Don’t Lose It’.

For the first time ever at a Scottish Parliament Election, 16 and 17-year-olds are being given a chance to vote.

However, many of these first-time voters in North Ayrshire are not currently registered and will miss out unless they sign up.

Deputy Returning Officer Andrew Fraser said: “No one should miss out on their right to be part of the democratic process and I would encourage everyone, including those who will be 16 and 17 on May 5, to activate their entitlement to vote.

“Ensuring your name is on the Electoral Register is a straightforward and quick process so I hope everyone takes advantage of that to ensure they can cast their vote.”

Residents have until April 18 to register in time to vote in the election but are being urged to do so as soon as possible to avoid any problems.

Those applying for a postal vote have until midnight on April 19, while the deadline for new proxy applications is 5pm on April 26.

If you have recently moved address or your details have changed (e.g. you have got married) then you will need to update your details on the Electoral Register.

People can check they are registered by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or by contacting the Ayrshire Valuation Joint Board, 9 Wellington Square, Ayr, KA7 1HL, on 01292 612221.