Running electoral registration - Scotland

What information must the requirement to register notice contain?

The notice requiring an individual to make an application for registration must state:1  

  • the date by which the individual must make an application for registration 
  • that, if the individual does not make an application by that date, you may impose a civil penalty 
  • the amount of the civil penalty (£80) and the rate of interest payable if the penalty is not paid on time
  • that, if the individual is not entitled to be registered, they must inform you of that fact before the date by which the application must be made and explain why they are not entitled, and that in such a case they are not required to make an application for registration
  • that, if the individual is registered at another address, they must inform you of that fact before the date by which the application must be made and provide you with that address, and that in such a case they are not required to make an application for registration
  • that the individual may make other representations as to why they should not be required to make an application to register by the date by which the application must be made, or why a civil penalty should not be imposed if they do not do so

A template requirement to register notice can be found here.

The date by which the named individual must make an application is not prescribed. When deciding on a date by which the individual must make an application, you should allow sufficient time for them to receive the notice, digest the information and submit an application. As with the recommended maximum period that would be considered reasonable in relation to an invitation to register, in most cases, 28 calendar days would provide sufficient time for the person to receive the notice, digest the information and submit an application. 

You must include an application for registration with the notice and the full name and address of the individual should be pre-printed on the application.2  You should also include a pre-paid and pre-printed return envelope alongside the application, as well as information on how to register online, or by telephone or in person (if you offer those services).

Last updated: 25 May 2021