Edinburgh City Council opens emergency polling booth after postal votes chaos

A Scottish council has opened an emergency polling booth to ensure people who have not received postal votes can still have their say in next week’s General Election.Edinburgh City Council has taken the unusual step of setting up a centre where locals who have yet to receive their ballot can have one reissued, or can even cast their vote ahead of July 4.

It comes as First Minister John Swinney said he was “troubled” by delays in some Scots receiving their postal votes. The Record reported today that many Scots were furious they had not received their postal votes before going on holiday.

The Electoral Management Board for Scotland has already been reported as saying here have been “many difficulties experienced with the delivery of postal votes” across the country.Highlighting there could be a “lot of seats that are very close contests” in Scotland, SNP leader Swinney raised fears this could potentially impact results.He said: “In an election where there will be a number of marginal contests in Scotland, because there is a really intense contest going on here in Scotland, I am worried people will be disenfranchised.”In response to the situation, the City of Edinburgh Council announced that it was taking “urgent steps”.Those voters who have not yet received their postal votes can go to the City Chambers and have their voting pack reissued.A polling booth will also be set up their for those who wish to cast their vote there and then.Voters are being reminded to bring photographic identity with them to use the facility, which will operate until 5pm on Friday, and will again be open between 9am and 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.The council took the action after Swinney highlighted how there could be a a “lot of seats that