Local Government Elections

How to Vote in a By-election

You can vote on polling day, as determined by the Returning Officer, between 7am and 10pm.

After the Notice of Election is published, all registered voters will receive a poll card - either for voting in person or by post.

To vote you must be:

  • registered with the Electoral Registration Office
  • living in the electoral ward where the election is taking place

If you are not sure if you are registered, contact the Electoral Registration Office on:

Email: ero@highland.gov.uk

Phone: 0800 393783

For more information How to vote – Highland and Western Isles


Voting at a Polling Station

Your poll card will hold the information where your designated polling station is, alternatively you can check online.

Voting by Post

Watch the video below for help with completing your postal voting pack.

Voting by Proxy

If you are unable to vote in person you can ask someone to vote on your behalf.

For more information How to vote – Highland and Western Isles

Email: ero@highland.gov.uk

Phone: 0800 393783

How to fill out your Ballot Paper

How the Single Transferable Vote (STV) works

Scottish Local Government Elections are conducted under the Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system. This means you should rank the candidates in order of your preference.

Electors are advised to vote using numbers as follows:

Number the candidates in the order of your choice.

  1. Put the number 1 in the box next to the name of the candidate who is your first choice.
  2. Put the number 2 in the box next to your second choice.
  3. Put the number 3 in the box next to your third choice and so on.

You can make as many choices as you wish.