Since December 2010, Grampian’s electorate has increased by more than 34,000 people, reflecting the increasing population and buoyant economy of the area.
Grampian Electoral Registration Officer, Ian Milton, is urging those who have recently moved to the area or who are not already registered to vote to do so.
In December 2010, there were 411,047 local government electors in Grampian; in December 2011 there were 427,105; and in December 2012 430,927.
As of last month, there were 445,541 local government electors in the area.
These totals include under-18s who will be qualified to vote during the currency of the registers, which in the case of the March 2014 register includes all under-18s who will be 18 by November 30, 2015.
A separate register of 15-year-olds who will be 16 on or before September 18, 2014 is being prepared. This remains confidential, with any names on this special register merged with the main register prior to the referendum so that young voter names and addresses cannot be singled out.
With the European Elections on May 22 and the Referendum on Scottish Independence on September 18, this is a busy year for voters.
Most will have registered during the annual canvass which finished last month (March), but if people have moved house or relocated to the Grampian area, they will need to update their voter registration details as their registration is likely to be cancelled at their former address.
Mr Milton stressed that once voters have taken the most important step of registering to vote, they need to make sure that they can use their votes on May 22 and September 18.
Many voters may be posted offshore, busy with exams, on holiday or unable to get out to the polling station.
If voters cannot get to a polling station on either date they can apply to vote by post or proxy.
This is particularly relevant to people in higher education who might leave home to go to university or college during September, potentially leaving their vote behind.
Voter registration deadlines are May 6 for the European elections and September 2 for the Referendum. The corresponding postal vote application deadlines are May 7 and September 3.
To register to vote in Grampian, you must live at an address in the area, be a British, Commonwealth or EU citizen and be 16 years old on or before September 18, 2014.
Mr Milton said: “I urge voters to plan ahead and get their applications in well before the deadlines.
“There is nothing more frustrating than to have to tell someone they have missed out on their vote because they made a mistake in a last minute application.”
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
For help and advice use the helpline on (01224) 664848, email [email protected], go online at www.voteaberdeen.org or visit the Grampian Electoral Registration Office at Woodhill House, Westburn Road, Aberdeen AB16 5GE
Banff and Buchan
For help and advice use the helpline on (01261) 815516, email [email protected], go online at www.voteaberdeenshire.org, or visit the Grampian Electoral Registration Office at Mitchell Burnett House, Colleonard Road, Banff AB45 1DZ
Moray
For help and advice use the helpline on (01343) 541203, email [email protected], go online at www.votemoray.org, or visit the Grampian Electoral Registration Office at 234 High Street, Elgin IV31 1BA