Scottish councils raise concerns over delays to postal vote forms

Western Isles Council said the situation had caused “significant concern” and that the council’s election team had received a high number of calls.

Council returning officer, Malcolm Burr, said: “Voters rightly expect to receive their postal voting packs on the agreed date and make plans accordingly.

“It is vitally important that lessons are learned at national level from these delays and we do not see similar disruption in the future.”

When Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the snap election for 4 July, there were concerns in Scotland that the date would clash with the school holidays.

The summer break begins in most areas in Scotland at the end of this week.

Voters going abroad would have to apply for a postal vote, receive their ballot paper and return it before flying out.

Glasgow City Council said that the timing of the election had presented “challenges” but said its first issue of postal packs was sent last week “as expected”.

A spokesperson said: “The deadline for the second issue of postal votes was 19 June and packs will be issued, on schedule, at the end of this week.”

Inverclyde Council said it was not aware of any problems in the area but accepted some people may not have had their forms yet.

It said any problem would be with Royal Mail.