Voter registration deadline due for EU referendum

Voter registration for the In-Out referendum on the EU will close at midnight tomorrow.

The vote called by David Cameron on whether the UK is to stay in or leave the European Union will take place on Thursday June 23.

The Electoral Commission said that more than 1.3 million people have applied online to register to vote after a public awareness campaign aimed at boosting registration was launched.

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Commission officials said under-25s and people between 25 and 34 "have consistently been the age groups making the most applications to register" during the campaign.

Chief counting officer for the EU referendum Jenny Watson said: "This really is your last chance! If you aren't already registered to vote, you need to do it by the June 7 deadline or you won't be able to take part in this historic referendum.

"Tens of thousands of people applied to register the day after the deadline to register for the General Election and were too late to have their say. Don't let that be you."

Meanwhile, SNP In Europe Campaign director Humza Yousaf called on voters in Scotland to register before tomorrow’s deadline.

Yousaf said: “The EU referendum is of real importance to Scotland – giving us the opportunity to make clear that we want to work in partnership with our friends and neighbours in Europe and to continue to benefit from the many important social protections the EU guarantees.

“With much of the EU debate so far focussing on the internal machinations of the Tory party, it’s vital that people in Scotland rise above that and make our voices heard – and the only way you can secure your opportunity to do so is to register before tomorrow’s deadline.

“The fact is that Scotland benefits enormously from our place in Europe –the EU guarantees important social protections such as employment rights and parental leave, membership of the world’s largest single market helps to create jobs and investment in Scotland and the freedom of movement enables Scots to travel, work and study across the EU and allows skilled EU migrants to work in our NHS and other vital sectors.

“It’s these progressive benefits of EU membership which I firmly believe people in Scotland want to see continue.  The only way to guarantee that is to ensure you are registered to vote by tomorrow’s deadline – and to cast your vote to stay in Europe on June 23rd.”