THE Scottish council elections are now less than two months away.

And last Wednesday, North Ayrshire Council Chief Executive and Returning Officer Elma Murray joined the Council’s Election Team to engage with council staff to ensure as many people are registered to vote as possible.

Local schools are also getting in on the act – to encourage as many 16-17 year-olds to register to vote.

While they were able to vote in last year’s Ward One By-Election, this is the first time the whole of North Ayrshire’s 16 and 17 year-olds have the chance to influence local politics.

This year will also be different in North Ayrshire following the Boundary Commission changes, which will now see 33 Councillors – an additional three elected members - representing local people in 10 Electoral Wards.

Election Day takes place from 7am-10pm on May 4 and, in another first, Irvine’s Portal Leisure Centre will stage the electronic counting of votes the following day.

Ms Murray said: “No one should miss out on their right to be part of the democratic process.

“I would encourage those who will be 16 and 17 to activate their entitlement to vote by registering as soon as they can.”

If you want to register, go to https:// www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact the Electoral Registration Officer on 01292 612221.