Tag: polling places

Corstorphine/Murrayfield council by-election candidates confirmed

The candidates standing in the forthcoming Corstorphine/Murrayfield Council by-election, which will take place on Thursday 9 March, have been announced.

The by-election will elect one councillor from nine nominated candidates to represent the ward along with two existing councillors.

The candidates standing for election are (in alphabetical order):

  • Fiona Bennett, Scottish Liberal Democrats
  • Richard Fettes, Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life
  • Hugh Findlay, Scottish Conservative and Unionist
  • Pete Gregson, Independent
  • Elaine Miller, Independent
  • Richard Parker, Scottish Labour Party
  • Donald Rutherford, Scottish National Party (SNP)
  • Gary Smith, Scottish Libertarian Party
  • Chris Young, Scottish Green Party

Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer, said: “Now that nominations have closed, residents in the Corstorphine/ Murrayfield ward can begin to think about who they will vote for in March.

“The role of our councillors is extremely important to the democratic process, with responsibility for some of the most important decisions our city can face. Therefore, I would encourage as many residents as possible to participate in the by-election. It’s crucial that you make sure you’re registered to vote by midnight on 21 February. Anyone can also register for a postal vote before 22 February.

“The by-election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system where voters can rank candidates in order of preference using numbers rather than a single cross. Voters can choose to vote for as many or as few candidates as they like. We will announce the result once the votes are counted after polls close at 10pm on Thursday 9 March.”

Poll cards will be delivered to registered voters in the area from today (Tuesday 7 February) including further information on when and where to vote.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm and will be at:

  • Murrayfield Parish Church Centre
  • Saughton Crescent Scout Hall
  • BT Murrayfield
  • Corstorphine St Ninian’s Church Hall
  • St. Anne’s Parish Church Hall
  • 10th Craigalmond Scout Hall
  • Corstorphine Library
  • Carrick Knowe Parish Church Hall
  • Tesco Extra

The by-election follows the resignation of Councillor and former Lord Provost Frank Ross in December.

Find out more about the Corstorphine/Murrayfield by-election.

Council election Polling place changes

Trinity Academy pupils who will be voting for the first time have been to visit their nearest polling place Summerside Bowling Club as the countdown continues to the local elections this Thursday (5 May).

Trinity Academy S5 pupil Luke Norman is looking forward to casting his first ever vote on Thursday 5 May 2022. He said: “I’m excited to be voting for the first time. I think it’s really important for young people to take part in elections and use their voice.

“It’s our future. The councillors that we help elect next week will make important decisions on education and many other issues that are important to us.”

Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “The local elections are under a week away now. We have been working to reduce our use of schools on election day and I’m delighted that this year there will be no interruption to the school day for Edinburgh’s pupils.

“Due to this, you might have a different polling place this time. Check your polling card carefully or use the online tool to find out where to vote on 5 May.

“Our elections pages also contain useful information on how the single transferable vote system works, ie that you need to use numbers to rank as many or as few candidates as you choose in order of preference.

“And if you’ve applied for and received a postal ballot pack, remember to return it as soon as possible to make sure your vote counts.”

A total of 399,239 people are registered to vote in Edinburgh, of whom 96,671 have applied to vote by post.

Find out more on where, when and how to vote.

Election Day: polls open at 7am

Because of COVID-19, there will be safety measures in place at polling stations to help you vote safely (for example, a one-way system or restrictions on the number of people allowed in).

If you choose to vote in person, make sure you:

  • wear a face covering (unless you’re exempt)
  • bring your own pen or pencil (there will be clean pencils available at the polling station if you forget to bring your own)
  • use the hand sanitiser provided when entering and leaving the polling station
  • keep to social distancing guidelines

If you have COVID-19 symptoms this morning or have been asked to self-isolate:

Do not visit the polling station. Apply for an emergency proxy vote instead. Your proxy can also apply if they develop symptoms.

Application-to-vote-by-emergency-proxy-in-Scotland-based-on-COVID-19Download

You can apply until 5pm today (6 May). 

For more info phone 0131 344 2500 or email enquiries@lothian-vjb.gov.uk

Download forms here:

https://lothian-vjb.gov.uk/scottish-parliament-election-6-may-2021/

Polling Stations are open from 7am – 10pm