Still time to apply to vote in Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh By-Election

Issued on behalf of The Returning Officer

Polling will take place on Thursday 6 December to elect one of nine candidates standing in the Highland Council's Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh By-election and voters are being reminded to make sure they are ready to make their vote count.

The by-election is being held following the resignation of Councillor Kate Stephen who was one of four Councillors representing Ward 5 on The Highland Council. The other Ward members are Councillors Biz Campbell (Independent), Ian Cockburn (Scottish National Party) and Derek MacLeod (Scottish Conservative and Unionist)

To vote in this by-election, eligible residents must be registered to vote by midnight on Wednesday 21 November. Full details on how to register are available by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote 

Anyone who is registered to vote can also arrange to have a Postal or Proxy vote. The latest time to apply for a postal vote is 5.00pm on Tuesday 20 November and the deadline for anyone wishing to apply to vote by proxy is Tuesday 27 November.  Advice on postal and proxy voting is available by contacting the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393783 or e-mailing ero@highland.gov.uk 

Those intending to vote are reminded that the single transferable vote system will be used. Instead of using a cross, voters should number the candidates in the order of their choice, putting a number 1 in the box next to the name of the candidate who is their first choice, 2 in the box next to their second choice and so on. Voters can mark as many choices as they wish. Voters are asked to put no other mark on the ballot paper as this could result in their vote not being counted.

The candidates standing are:

  • Gavin Berkenheger - Scottish Conservative and Unionist
  • Christopher Birt - Scottish Labour Party
  • Irene Frances Brandt - Scottish Green Party
  • Harry Christian - Scottish Libertarian Party
  • Jean Davis - Independent
  • Les Durance - UKIP Scotland
  • Richard Greene - Independent
  • Alexander MacInnes - Scottish National Party (SNP)
  • George Scott - Scottish Liberal Democrats

The current political make-up of The Highland Council is;

Independent (27)
Non-aligned (2)
Scottish Conservative and Unionist (11)
Scottish Green Party (1)
Scottish Labour Party (3)
Scottish Liberal Democrats (9)
Scottish National Party (19)
Sutherland Independent Group (1)
With 1 vacancy for Ward 5.

 

12 Nov 2018