Community Council Elections 2019
Nominations are invited from people seeking election to all Community Councils across Highland this autumn. This is your chance to help represent the views of your community to the Highland Council and other public agencies.
Community Councils are voluntary organisations that act as a voice for their local area. They express views and concerns of local people within their area across a wide range of issues such as new buildings and roads to local services and facilities. They also have legal duties: by law, the highland Council must consult with Community Councils on planning and licensing applications in their area.
In some areas, Community Councils receive Community Benefit money from windfarm projects which they can reinvest in the community. Others are involved in setting up Community Development Companies which can lead on larger scale projects to improve the area.
Community Councils also work to make positive changes in their local communities. Some Community Councils have worked to improve patient transport, dental services and care services as well as looking at ways to improve their environment for the good of the community and visitors to the area.
The Highland council are responsible for running the Community Councils election, which must be held every 4 years. The maximum membership of each of the Highland Community Council’s is determined by the population it serves and varies from 7 to 13 members.
The notice of Election and Nomination Form to be completed for candidates wishing to serve their local Community Council’s in the Highlands for the next four years is published below.
- Community Council Election Procedures
- Notice of Election
- Nomination Pack
- Contact Details for Ward Managers
The earliest date for submitting nomination papers to the relevant Ward Manager is Tuesday, 24th September 2019 and the deadline for submitting nomination papers is 12noon on Tuesday, 8th October 2019.
Those wishing to stand as a Candidate must reside within the Community Council boundary and must be a registered voter. Please contact the electoral registration office on 01463 703341 to check if you are a registered voter.
Those aged 16 and 17 at the time of the nomination deadline are also eligible to seek election and to register to vote in the election. However 16 and 17 year olds must be registered on the supplementary register. Registration forms are available on the Highland Council website and are being distributed through secondary schools.
Promotional materials have been prepared and are now being circulated locally in schools, libraries, service points, colleges and universities etc.
The statements of persons nominated for each Community Council will be published after 12noon on Wednesday, 9th October 2019. Anyone wishing to withdraw their candidacy must complete the relevant form contained in the pack and return it by no later than 12noon on Friday, 11 October 2019.
A ballot will be held in instances where the number of nominations exceeds the maximum membership and ballot papers will be issued by post on Tuesday, 29th October 2019 and must be returned no later than Wednesday, 20th November 2019.