Notice of Election published for The Highland Council By-Election
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE RETURNING OFFICER
Following the resignation of Councillor Angus MacDonald (Scottish Liberal Democrats), a vacancy has arisen for the election of a Councillor to represent the Fort William and Ardnamurchan Ward of The Highland Council.
Ward 21 is a 4 member Ward. The other Ward members are Councillors Sarah Fanet (Scottish National Party), Thomas MacLennan (Non Aligned) and Kate Willis (Scottish Greens).
Candidate nomination forms can be downloaded here or by contacting the Election Office via email election@highland.gov.uk or phoning 01349 886657.
The Returning Officer, Derek Brown said: “This is an opportunity to join The Highland Council to represent the Fort William and Ardnamurchan Ward so I encourage anyone interested to put themselves forward.”
Completed nomination papers must be returned by hand to Dot Ferguson, Depute Returning Officer, The Highland Council, Community Support - Contact & Engagement, Charles Kennedy Building, Achintore Road, Fort William, PH33 6RQ by prior appointment between the hours of 10am and 4pm on any working day (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays) after the date of this notice before 4pm on Monday 21 October 2024.
Before the original documents are officially lodged by hand, candidates are encouraged to scan and email their forms to election@highland.gov.uk for an informal check.
If the seat is contested, voting will take place on Thursday 21 November 2024 with the electronic count taking place on Friday 22 November in Fort William.
Anyone over 16 years old who is living in the Ward is eligible to vote in this by-election if they are registered. Information to register to vote is available on-line.. Alternatively, call the Electoral Registration Officer on 0800 393783 to request a paper application form. The last date to register to vote in this by-election is midnight on Tuesday 5 November 2024.
Voters in Ward 21 will be able to cast their vote in person on the day by visiting their local polling station or they can apply for either a postal vote or to vote by proxy.
The latest time to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday 6 November 2024 and the deadline for anyone wishing to appoint a proxy, which is someone to vote on their behalf, is 5pm on Wednesday 13 November 2024.
Advice on postal and proxy voting is available by contacting the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393783.