The MP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Tracy Gilbert, has announced that her Private Member’s Bill is the first to become law in this parliamentary session.

The legislation – the Absent Voting (Scotland and Wales) Act – will make it easier for people in Scotland and Wales to apply for a postal vote in devolved elections. It has received Royal Assent.

Voters can now apply online which was previously restricted to paper based applications. This is particularly problematic for those people with disabilities or who live overseas. The new law is now in place for the Scottish and Welsh parliamentary elections next year.

Ms Gilbert said: “I’m incredibly proud that my Bill has now become law, and as the first Private Member’s Bill of this Parliament to do so.

“It now gives both the Scottish

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