OVER the past few weeks this Yes DIY page has featured many of the arguments both for and against postal voting.

It is clear there are genuine fears among some people in the Yes movement that postal voting can be manipulated in a certain direction and that the system is not secure.

Still others, such as the Aberdeen Independence Movement, have been going all out to convince voters to use postal voting, a system which they say is secure. Unarguably, it will also be the safest way of voting in the midst of the current pandemic.

There is scepticism. Perhaps too many people have listened to Donald Trump and taken his tirades against postal voting seriously, or perhaps some people have recalled the claims by soon-to-be Baroness Ruth Davidson about “sample opening” of referendum votes back in September 2014.

You may recalls what she said in a television interview just after the polls closed on September 18, 2014.

Davidson somehow claimed that the Better Together Unionist alliance had been “incredibly encouraged” by what she called a “sample opening” of postal votes.

Police Scotland were promptly ordered by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to investigate alleged breaches of the Scottish Independence Act 2013.

That act and most other electoral acts says that anyone trying to discover the outcome of a postal ballot or “communicate any information with respect thereto”, as the act states, could face a fine of up to £5000 or 12 months imprisonment.

COPFS interviewed Davidson but no charges were brought against her or anyone, though many Yessers thought there was something dodgy about the whole affair.

So as we draw this correspondence to a close, so to speak, it is only right that we conclude with the definitive view of, and indeed a call to arms from, the SNP.

It states: “Scotland goes to the polls on Thursday, May 6, 2021 to vote in one of the most important elections in history.

“At stake is a choice of two futures, an inward looking, isolationist future with Boris Johnson or an outward looking, progressive and independent future chosen by the people of Scotland.

“The SNP’s position is clear, Scotland’s future must be Scotland’s choice.

“This election will take place under extraordinary circumstances. The safest way to vote in the current circumstances is by post.”

The party then goes on to give information on “everything you need to know about voting by post”.

The SNP explained: “It’s vital to make sure you are registered to vote in this election before applying for a postal vote.

“Once you’ve registered we’ve created a handy tool on our website which lets you easily apply for a postal vote.

“Simply fill out your name and postcode then select your address from the dropdown menu (if you can’t see your address listed simply click ‘I need to enter my address manually’) click ‘get application form’ then print off and complete the form provided.

“Alternatively, you can contact your local Electoral Registration Office and ask them to post a form to you. Once you’ve filled out your form simply post it to your local Electoral Registration Office.

“When registering for a postal vote, you fill in a form with your name, address, date of birth and how long you want the postal vote for — just for one election, until a specified date, or permanently.”

There’s a key issue: “The deadline to apply for a postal vote for the election is 5pm on Tuesday, April 6.

“A few days before the election on Thursday, May 6, you will receive your postal ballot — all you need to do is follow the instructions, fill out the ballot paper stick the supplied envelope in a post box.

“Your local council will verify that all postal votes have been correctly filled out at a Postal Vote Opening Session. Agents from all registered political interests are invited to attend and observe these sessions, making sure that everything is fair and above board. This is a safe and secure way to ensure your voice is heard.

“However you do it, make sure you vote. The Westminster system has failed Scotland, and Scotland has been disrespected time and time again. At this election we must make sure Scotland’s voice is heard loud and clear.

“With so much at stake, this will be one of the most important elections in Scotland’s history. The SNP will put Scotland’s right to choose our own future.

“Make sure you’re ready to vote — and ask your friends and family to do the same.

“Register to vote today at registertovote.scot”

The endorsement of postal voting by the SNP seems to be a clincher in the argument over the system which will no doubt continue for a while yet, but not on these pages.