“I’m voting in the Scottish parliament election because as a minority, it’s important to use my voice whenever I have the opportunity to do so to ensure that the needs of my community are met.”

“My vote is important because voting gives me the opportunity to be part of the decision-making that affects my life.”

“I’m so excited to vote because I want my voice heard and I want others to hear it!”

In February 2020, the Scottish Parliament passed a new law which extends the right to vote in Scottish elections to people who are over 16 and live in Scotland. This includes everyone with leave to remain, including people with refugee status.

People supported by Scottish Refugee Council, Maryhill Integration Network, the Voices Network and Saheliya have created a short video to encourage refugee communities across the country to make their voice heard in the elections on 6th May.

Register to vote by 19th April 2021!

Find out more about our work on voting rights.

Register to vote by 19th April.

How do I register to vote?

You can register online at gov.uk/registertovote. The deadline for registering to vote in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election is midnight on Monday 19 April 2021.

If you’re unable to register online, you can register by post. Download a form at www.gov.uk/government/collections/register-to-vote-paper-forms.

Chris Afuakwah
Author: Chris Afuakwah