PEOPLE in Helensburgh are being reminded to make sure they are registered to vote in next month's European Parliament elections.

With the UK's exit from the European Union now not due to take place until the end of October, the six MEPs who will be elected to represent Scotland on May 23 aren't likely to be in post for long – though many voters are still expected to use the poll to give something of a mini-verdict on the Brexit saga so far.

Regardless of the negotiations in the background, though, the decision to defer the UK's withdrawal means the country is obliged to take part in next month's election – and voters have been reminded this week that they must be registered to vote in order to take part.

READ MORE: One in ten Argyll and Bute voters sign Brexit 'revoke' petition

If you’re not sure whether you are registered, you can check with the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 980 0470. They can send you out a registration form if you need one. You can also register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote - it’s quick and easy to do.

The deadline for registering to vote in the European Parliamentary election is Tuesday, May 7.

You can also vote by post or by proxy (where you appoint someone to cast your vote on your behalf). The deadline for postal vote applications is Wednesday, May 8, and if you want to apply for a proxy vote, you need to do so by Wednesday, May 15.

You can find out more about this at www.yourvotematters.co.uk or www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/elections where you can also find a list of polling stations.

Anyone who is interested in standing for election, or who has any other queries about the election process, can contact Argyll and Bute Council’s Elections Team in the first instance on 01546 603264 or elections@argyll-bute.gov.uk.