Time running out to register for Wester Ross vote
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TIME is rapidly running out for would-be voters to make sure they are registered before a Wester Ross by-election is held next month.
Voters will head to the polls on December 6 to select one of nine candidates to replace outgoing Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh councillor Kate Stephen, who has resigned due to her growing work commitments as a researcher at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
But those looking to vote must be registered to do so by next week.
And Highland Council has urged people to make sure they don’t miss out.
Full details on how to register are available by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Anyone who is registered to vote can also arrange to have a postal or proxy vote. The latest time to apply for a postal vote is 5pm this Tuesday, with proxy vote registration deadlining on November 27.
Nine candidates are standing for election to fill a vacancy for the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Ward of The Highland Council.
The by-election is being held following the resignation of Kate Stephen who was one of four Councillors representing Ward 5. The other ward members are councillors Biz Campbell (Independent), Ian Cockburn (Scottish National Party) and Derek MacLeod (Scottish Conservative and Unionist).
Nine candidates are standing for the vacant seat. They are, in alphabetical order, Gavin Berkenheger (Scottish Conservative), Christopher Birt (Scottish Labour), Irene Frances Brandt (Scottish Green), Harry Christian (Scottish Libertarian), Jean Davis (independent), Les Durance (UKIP Scotland), Richard Greene (independent), Alexander MacInnes (SNP) and George Scott (Scottish Liberal Democrats).
Voting will take place on Thursday 6 December with the count taking place within the ward the following day.
Advice on postal and proxy voting is available by contacting the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393783 or emailing ero@highland.gov.uk
“Those intending to vote are reminded that the single transferable vote system will be used,” said a Highland Council spokeswoman.
“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.”
