Voter registration began in Makkah and Madinah on August 16, a week ahead of national due to the arrival of pilgrims in the two holy cities. The third municipal elections are scheduled for December 12. Since the last elections, several changes have been made, including increasing the number of elected municipal council members from half to two-third of the total number of members; reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years; and granting women the right to vote and run for office.