IN just three short months voters across Scotland will be asked to choose their councillors.

On Thursday 4 May, polls will open at 7am and will be open right through to 10pm to allow residents to cast their vote in the Scottish local government elections.

It’s easy to take voting for granted, but it is the chance for each of us to have a direct say in how our community, town or village and our country is run.

The key to having your say is using your vote.

If you’re not registered on the electoral register, you won’t be able to use your vote.

That’s why it’s important to make sure you are registered to vote before the registration deadline.

This year, 16 and 17 year olds will be voting for the first time in their council elections.

This means that if you’re 16 or over on 4 May 2017, you’ll be able to vote – but you need to register first. It only takes a few minutes.

Look out for the Electoral Commission’s #ReadyToVote campaign which will be rolling out soon to encourage people, especially young people, to make sure they are registered to vote.

Visit the website: gov.uk/register-to-vote to find out more about registering to vote.

Whatever way you choose to vote it’s important that you have your say on the 4th of May.