Local Government Elections: nominations now closed

Nominations have now closed for candidates to stand in Scotland’s forthcoming Local Government Elections.

The Electoral Management Board for Scotland (EMB) yesterday published details of the 2,572 candidates standing for election in the 354 wards across the 32 local authority areas on 4 May 2017.

Information on the EMB’s website gives a breakdown of the candidates and wards, including electorate, party affiliation and candidate gender.

Mary Pitcaithly, the Convener of the EMB, said: “Nominations have now closed for candidates standing across Scotland’s 32 council areas in the Local Government Elections on 4 May 2017. Voters should look on their Council website to find out who’s standing in their ward.  Make sure you register to vote by 17 April so you can be certain to have your say on polling day.”

Ms Pitcaithly took the opportunity to remind voters of key points about this year’s Council elections:

  • 16 and 17-year-olds can vote in Scottish local government elections for the first time – NB they must be registered to vote
  • Voters have until 17 April to register to vote. More information at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
  • Home movers must re-register at their new address to be guaranteed a vote
  • Ward boundaries were reviewed in 2016. Your polling place may have changed, so check your poll card to make sure you know where to vote
  • Voters should use numbers on the ballot paper
  • EU citizens are eligible to vote in local government elections
  • New applications for postal votes must be submitted by 18 April
  • Voters can nominate a proxy to vote on their behalf  – the deadline is 25 April

Find out more about how to vote on 4 May at yourvotematters.co.uk

 

Key dates and times:

  • ­Register to vote by midnight on 17 April 2017
  • ­Register for postal or proxy vote by 5pm on 18 April 2017
  • ­Apply for emergency proxy votes by 5pm on 4 May 2017
  • ­Vote in person at polling places between 7am and 10pm on 4 May 2017
  • ­Ballot papers will be counted on Friday 5 May 2017

Voters can obtain more information about the elections and how to vote at http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/ 

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davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer