Voters in Glasgow East are being urged by the Electoral Commission to apply now for a postal vote if they plan to be away on 24 July, the date of the Westminster parliamentary by-election.

In order to vote on 24 July, voters need to register by Wednesday 9 July, and can apply for a postal vote, if needed, at the same time. People who are already on the electoral register but wish to apply for a postal vote must also do so by 9 July.

Andy O‘Neill, head of the Electoral Commission’s Scotland Office, said: “The timing of this by-election means that many people who would normally vote in person will need to apply for a postal vote.

“Applying for a postal vote is easy and means you can still have your say even while on holiday.

“Don’t leave it too late and miss your chance to vote in the by-election. You can only vote if you are on the electoral register. It just takes a couple of minutes to call your registration officer or go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk and print off a form”, he added.

The SNP has criticised the timing of the vote, saying Labour is in a “blind panic” about the by-election, which will be during the traditional Glasgow Fair holiday.

First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond said: “It is extraordinary and unprecedented for Labour to hold a Glasgow by-election during the Glasgow Fair – they are running scared of the electorate.”

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