SCOTTISH Borders Council is urging local to make sure they are registered to vote, as Monday's deadline looms.

On Thursday, May 4 voters will go to the polls to elect councillors across the region and for the first time 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to vote.

And the local authority is reminding Borderers to register if they want to have their voice heard.

Brian Rout, acting electoral registration officer for Scottish Borders Council said: "With only a few days to go, time is running out to make sure you can take part in the elections on Thursday, May 4.

"These elections are an opportunity to have a say on who represents local people on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in the Borders. But if you’re not registered by midnight on Monday, April 17, you won’t be able to vote."

Andy O’Neill, head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, added: "Our research shows that over a quarter of people in Scotland think that if you are old enough to vote then you are automatically registered, but in fact everyone must register themselves individually.

"Registering to vote is easy to do online and means that you can have your say in these important elections."

Once registered to vote you can also apply for a postal vote. The deadline for this is 5pm on Tuesday, April 18.

You can also register to vote by proxy if you are unable to get to the polling station on election day. The deadline for this is 5pm on Tuesday, April 25.

To register online, visit: http://www.gov.uk/registertovote