Notice of Election published for Highland Council By-Election

Issued on behalf of the Returning Officer

Following the resignation of Sarah Rawlings, a vacancy has arisen for the election of a Councillor to represent the Tain and Easter Ross Ward of The Highland Council.

Ward 7 is a 3-member Ward. The other Ward members are Councillors Derek Louden (Scottish National Party) and Alasdair Rhind (Highland Independent).

Candidate nomination forms can be downloaded from www.highland.gov.uk/byelection or by contacting the Election Office via email election@highland.gov.uk or phoning 01349 886657.

The Returning Officer Kate Lackie is encouraging people to put themselves forward as candidates.  She said: “As an inclusive Council I would encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to put themselves forward for election. Anyone interested in standing or who may feel they need to know more about the role before making a decision can visit our website for details or can also drop us an email using election@highland.gov.uk for more information or an informal chat.”

Completed nomination papers must be delivered by hand to Helen Ross, Depute Returning Officer, The Highland Council, Tain Service Point and Registration Office, 24 High Street, Tain, IV19 1AE 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 and before 4pm on Monday 28 August 2023.

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 28 September 2023 with the electronic count taking place in the Ward on the following day.

Anyone over 16 years old who is living in the Ward is eligible to vote in this by-election if they are registered. To register to vote visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. 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 12 September 2023.

Voters 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 13 September 2023 and the deadline for anyone wishing to appoint a proxy, which is someone to vote on their behalf, is 5pm on Wednesday 20 September 2023.

Advice on postal and proxy voting is available by contacting the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393783.

The current political make-up of The Highland Council is as follows:

Caithness Independent (1)

Highland Independent (17)

Independent (1)

Inverness Independent (1)

Non-aligned (1)

Scottish Conservative and Unionist (9)

Scottish Green Party (4)

Scottish Labour Party (2)

Scottish Liberal Democrats (14)

Scottish National Party (22)

Sutherland Independent (1)

Vacant (1)