Midnight Deadline Looms

Scots have until midnight to register to vote in the independence referendum which will take place on Thursday 18th September.

Registration has already reached record levels, with more than 4 million people on the electoral roll.

The country will go to the polls in less than three weeks time.

Lawrence Cooper is the depute electoral registration officer for Fife Council.

Yes Scotland Chief Executive, Blair Jenkins said:

'People have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to vote Yes to provide our NHS with guaranteed protection from the budgetary impact of Westminster health privatisation in England. Together we can secure the new job creating powers we desperately need if we are going to deliver more opportunities across our country. And, we can move away from a Westminster system that only works for the few and choose a Yes so that Scotland’s vast wealth delivers for the many.

'For these reasons, Yes is getting overwhelming support from people who don’t usually take part in elections. Anyone who doubts the importance of their personal vote, should look at the narrowing of the opinion polls and what is at stake.'

The deadline for registering to vote is midnight. Registration offices are staying open until 12am to accommodate any latecomers.

Mr Jenkins added: 

'If you are not registered, do it today because your vote could be crucial. it could decide whether Scotland's future is in Scotland’s hands, or remains in the hands of the likes of George Osborne, David Cameron and Nigel Farage.

'The referendum result, and the wellbeing of services like the NHS, could hang on the decision that thousands of Scots make today about registering.

'My plea to all those people, is a simple one - make sure your voice is heard. We’ve an opportunity here that is too good to miss. You’ve got to be part of it'.

Scottish Labour Leader Johann Lamont is also urging unregistered Scots to make sure they have their say on September 18th:

'Everyone should take their opportunity to have their say as this decision could have a big impact on all our lives. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and there will be no going back if we get it wrong.
 
'We all know that Scotland faces deep cuts if Alex Salmond gets his Yes vote and my fear is that many of those who don’t vote will pay the price if he has got his sums wrong.
 
'The people least likely to vote are possibly those in most need of the good jobs that will be risked, the schools and hospitals that will be cut back and the state pensions which would be uncertain.
 
'The best future for Scotland is one where we use the strength of the UK and the opportunity of devolution to create a fairer society. That is why we are urging Scots to make sure they are registered to vote and to use their vote to say No to Alex Salmond’s plans for further austerity.'