Residents in East Renfrewshire are being reminded that 'X marks the spot' this election day.

Eligible voters for the UK General Election 2024, scheduled on July 4, are urged to cast their votes using a definitive 'X'. The vote will decide which one of nine candidates will represent the East Renfrewshire constituency in the UK Parliament.

For those unsure of the names in contention, a full list of the candidates can be found on the council’s website.

Returning officer for East Renfrewshire, Steven Quinn, outlined the importance of each and every vote.

He said: "Make your vote count by marking your paper with an ‘X’. We want to make sure everyone’s vote counts, whether they are voting by post, by proxy or in person at a polling place on July 4."

If you are casting your vote via postal application, be careful to enter your correct date of birth and signature on your postal voting statement, or it will not be counted.

You have until June 19 at 5pm to make postal votes and postal proxy votes applications.

For those resorting to traditional voting methods, polling stations will be open July 4 from 7am to 10pm.

Proxy voting, which lets another person vote on your behalf, can be arranged until June 26 at 5pm if you cannot visit the polling station in person.

To facilitate the voting process, 24 polling stations will be operational across East Renfrewshire, most of which were used in previous General Elections.

Notably though, Carlibar Primary School and St Ninian’s High School will no longer serve as polling stations, and voters are redirected to Dunterlie Community Centre and Carmichael Hall respectively.

The authorities have introduced a new mandate requiring voters to present photo ID before obtaining a ballot paper.

Acceptable IDs include a passport, driving licence, Scottish National Entitlement Card, Blue Badge, Identity Card with PASS mark, biometric immigration document, defence identity card, and certain national identity cards.

Expired IDs will be accepted if the image is still a good likeness of the holder.

Further, the conventional A5 poll card has been replaced with an enclosed A4 letter in a distinctive envelope.

Remember, this poll letter is not a prerequisite for voting and cannot be used as an ID proof.

For further details on voting, please visit the East Renfrewshire Council website.