Preparations are underway for a crucial by-election to fill the vacant Fort William and Ardnamurchan ward seat on The Highland Council, with voting set for Thursday 21 November 2024.
Voters will employ the single transferable vote system, requiring them to number candidates in order of preference rather than using the traditional cross method.
The electoral contest has attracted a diverse field of six candidates representing major political parties: Andrew Phillip Baxter (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Marit Behner-Coady (Scottish Greens), Susan Carstairs (Scottish Labour Party), Fiona Fawcett (Scottish Conservative and Unionist), Nathan Lumb (Scottish Libertarian Party), and Rebecca Machin (Scottish National Party).
Postal voting packs have already been distributed to registered electors who submitted their forms before the deadline, with comprehensive guidance available on the Council’s website.
Those who have received postal votes retain the option to hand-deliver their completed packs to any ward polling station between 7am and 10pm on election day.
Traditional polling stations will welcome voters from 7am until 10pm on 21 November, with residents advised to check their poll cards for their designated voting location.
Important venue changes see Lundrava Primary School voters redirected to the Charles Kennedy Building’s Highland Council Offices, while St Brides Primary School voters will now cast their ballots at Nether Lochaber Church Hall.
In a welcome simplification of the voting process, no voter identification is required at polling stations.
The election count will commence at 9:30am on Friday 22 November at Lochaber High School, with live coverage of the count and results declaration available through the Council’s social media channels (@highlandcouncil).
Comprehensive information about the by-election, including detailed voting guides and frequently asked questions, can be accessed at www.highland.gov.uk/byelection
