Voice of Scotland; NEXT Year's Elections Will Give Scottish Voters the Chance to Elect MSPs for the Scottish Parliament and Councillors for the Country's 32 Councils. in Preparation for the Biggest Day in Scottish Politics, Andy O'Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission's Scottish Office, Explains Why It Is So Important for Those Eligible to Vote to Register as Soon as Possible and Use Their Vote on May 3, 2007

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THE forthcoming elections are very important for the Scottish public because it is their big chance to let the politicians know how they feel.

The decisions made by politicians, and in particular by councils and councillors, are the kind of thing which affects the daily life of everyone in Scotland, and voting is one of the ways you can have an impact on policy.

These elections will affect a whole range of issues which will in turn affect you - from health and education to transport and police, so to vote is to play your part in Scotland's future.

And if you do want to be able to vote in May next year, then it is vitally important that you register to be …