Returning officer invites nominations for Tain and Easter Ross Highland Council ward by-election
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The returning officer for Highland Council is encouraging people to throw their hat in the ring as a councillor for the ward of Tain and Easter Ross.
The vacancy arose for the ward 7 post following the resignation of Sarah Rawlings in June.
A three member ward, the existing ward members are councillors Derek Louden (Scottish National Party) and Alasdair Rhind (independent).
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 for more information or an informal chat.”
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 phone on 01349 886657.
Completed nomination papers must be delivered by hand to Helen Ross, depute returning officer, 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 August 28, 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 September 28, 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 September 12, 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 September 13, 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.
