Postal voters in Moray will receive their ballots over the next few days, ahead of the council elections on May 4.
Depute running officer Moira Patrick is advising postal voters to make sure they read the instructions carefully before completing and returning their ballot paper.
She stressed the importance of voters understanding the single transferable vote system – where numbers are used to mark chosen candidates instead of a cross.
She added: “Make sure to read the instructions at the top of the ballot paper explaining the use of numbers.
“Also, don’t forget to include your date of birth and signature on the postal voting system.
“This is a legal requirement and without this accompanying statement your ballot paper cannot be counted”.
Voters have until 5pm on April 18 to register for a postal vote.
Those who will be away on the day of the election also have the option of a proxy vote, allowing them to nominate someone to cast their vote on their behalf. The deadline for a proxy is 5pm on April 25.
Electors can register for a postal or proxy vote by contacting the Elgin electoral registration office on 01343 541203 or by visiting www.votemoray.org for more information.
A pictorial guide on how to fill in postal votes can be found at www.moray.gov.uk/elections