THE deadline to register to vote in the General Election is looming.

If you are not registered at your current address then you need to act to ensure you receive a polling card in time for December 12.

In Glasgow about 250,000 people voted in the last General Election in 2017. It was a turnout of 58% It is the third General Election in five years and another poll on top of two referendums in 2014 and 2016, along with a council election in 2017, and it is your responsibility to ensure you are registered.

For a postal vote you need to register by 5pm on Tuesday, November 26.

The deadline for registering to vote in person at a polling station is midnight on November 26.

You can register to vote in three ways.

You can do it online at: www.gov.uk/registertovote Or by by phone on 0141 287 4444 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or email voters.roll@fs.glasgow.gov.uk Or in person at the Service Desk, 45 John Street, Glasgow, G1 1JE (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

Returning Officer Annemarie O’Donnell reminded city voters of the upcoming deadlines for registration and applications for absent votes – and warned against leaving it until the last minute.

She said: “You risk losing your vote if you don’t make sure you are registered. It’s as simple as that.

“I urge anyone who isn’t registered to act now. It’s too important to leave it until the last minute.”

It is equally important that anyone who needs an absent vote, such as a postal or proxy ballot, acts quickly too, she added.

“With this being an unscheduled election, people who normally vote in person may already have other plans and could need an absent vote for the first time.

“If you think that might be you, don’t wait until deadline day – get in touch now.”

Glasgow City Council said those less likely to be registered include people who have recently moved house; young people and students; people in rented accommodation, and people from certain ethnic minority communities.

Key dates November 26: Deadline to register to vote.

December 12: General Election

Times View: Everyone should get to choose country's leader 

SOME people may feel they are suffering from voter fatigue. However, when an important election or a big decision ahs to be made then turnout tends to increase and more people get registered 
to vote.
The Brexit referendum saw people register to vote in 
their thousands. The Scottish independence referendum 
led to a surge in new voter registrations.
Turnout dropped significantly at elections following those polls but when people are engaged with the debate more people vote.
Everyone should get registered to vote. Everyone should have the opportunity to vote.
If you miss the deadline you will not be able to walk up to your local polling station and cast your vote. The election is about electing your MP for the 
next five years. It is about who you want to represent you and your community in Parliament.
If you want to go to someone with a concern about benefits, pensions, tax, job security or employment rights among other issues then your MP is that person.
The election can be about specific issues or constitutional issues if you like, but it is also about much more than that.
This is our chance to have a say in who represents us and who governs the country.
It is an opportunity that everyone should take and the first step is making sure your name is on the list. Because on December 12, at the polling station. If your name’s not down you’re not getting in.