Community Council elections
What is a Community Council ?
Community Councils are voluntary organisations that express the views and concerns of local people within their area across a wide range of issues from new buildings and roads to local services and facilities.
Every local community can request their local authority to establish a Community Council in their area.
What is involved?
The Community Council meets regularly to discuss issues affecting their area, including planning and licensing. All meetings are held in public, and residents are encouraged to attend their local meeting.
The maximum membership of each of the 156 Highland Community Councils is determined by the population it serves and varies from 7 to 13 members.
For more information on the roles and responsibilities of a community councillor, please see our Community Council page or view our Frequently Asked Questions.
Here is the link to a short video on what is a Community Council
How can I apply to be a Community Councillor?
The Election Office is responsible for running the Community Council elections, which must be held every 4 years.
Those wishing to stand as Candidate must be:
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aged 16 years and over;
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a resident within the boundary of the Community Council area;
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named in the Electoral Register for that Community Council.
Follow the link to view the map and search details on your community council.
Notice of Election
Elections for 156 Community Councils are now scheduled to take place across the Highland Council local authority area.
Published below is the Notice of Election for serving your community council for up to a period of 4 years and a copy of the election timetable.
The Election Team have prepared a publicity toolkit to help communities spread the word with lots of helpful information for anyone considering standing.
Digital Toolkit
Nomination Period
To stand as Candidate, all you need do is self-nominate yourself by completing and submitting the online nomination paper by 12noon on Tuesday 3 October 2023. Please read the guidance note here to assist you in completing the online form and click on the nomination form below to complete.
Nomination Form
Candidate's must have their electoral number, this can be done by completing the electoral number request form or it is available from the Electoral Registration Office by emailing ero@highland.gov.uk or telephoning 0800 393783.
Withdrawal Period
Anyone wishing to withdraw their candidacy must complete the withdrawal form online and submit by no later than 12noon on Tuesday 10 October 2023.
Close of Nominations
Following the close of the nominations, the lists of persons nominated for each community council will published here by Wednesday 4 October 2023.
If no ballot is to be held then the new Community Council will be formed by Wednesday 11 October 2013.
A further ballot will be commence in January 2024 for those Community Council’s that fail to form.
Ballots for Contested Councils
A postal ballot will be held in instances where the number of nominations exceeds the maximum membership.
Ballot papers are scheduled to be issued by post on Tuesday 31 October 2023 and must be returned no later than 12noon on Monday 27 November 2023.
Further information on the count will be published here.
Questions or advice
Please contact the Elections Team if you have any questions about the election process
Email: ccelection@highland.gov.uk
Tel: 01349 886657