Still time to apply to vote in Fort William and Ardnamurchan By-Election

Issued on behalf of The Returning Officer

Polling will take place on Thursday 21 November 2024 to elect one of six candidates standing in The Highland Council's Ward 21 Fort William and Ardnamurchan by-election and voters are being reminded to make sure they are ready to cast their vote.

The by-election is being held following the resignation of Angus MacDonald who was one of four Councillors representing Ward 21 on The Highland Council. The other Ward members are Councillors Sarah Fanet, Thomas MacLennan and Kate Willis. Anyone over 16 years old who is living in the Ward is eligible to take part in this by-election if they are registered to vote. To register to vote visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or alternatively call the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393783 for assistance.  The last date to register to vote in this by-election is midnight on Tuesday 5 November 2024.

Voters will be able to cast their vote in person on the day by visiting their polling station or they can apply for either a postal vote or appoint a proxy which is requesting someone to vote on their behalf. Photographic ID is not required for people voting at polling stations for this election as it only applies to UK Parliamentary elections.

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 is 5pm on Wednesday 13 November 2024.

Advice on postal and proxy voting is available by contacting the Electoral Registration Office via email or calling 0800 393783 

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 are:

• BAXTER, Andrew Phillip - Scottish Liberal Democrats
• BEHNER-COADY, Marit - Scottish Greens
• CARSTAIRS, Susan - Scottish Labour Party
• FAWCETT, Fiona - Scottish Conservative and Unionist
• LUMB, Nathan - Scottish Libertarian Party
• MACHIN, Rebecca - Scottish National Party (SNP)