If you are not registered, then you can't vote at the upcoming election.

While the election is not until May, planning is already underway to help you stay safe while casting your vote.

There are a number of ways to have your say in the election - you can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.

Bill Gillies, Electoral Registration Officer for Highland and Western Isles, said: “The Scottish Parliament makes decisions that affect every aspect of our daily lives so it is important to make your voice heard in this election and have a say on who represents you.

“We’re thinking about these elections now so that, however you choose to cast your vote in May, you can do so safely. Arrangements are being put in place by the Returning Officer to help you stay safe at the polling station; you can expect many of the measures you’ve become used to in shops and banks over recent months, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks. But you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy.”

Andy O’Neill, Head of Electoral Commission, Scotland said: “The choice on how to vote at next May’s elections is yours.

“If you’re thinking about voting by post, you can apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly.

“You need to be registered to vote – the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. And if you are aged 16 and over and are resident in Scotland you are now eligible to register and vote.”