Nominations have re opened in Buckie and District and Findochty and District after both communities successfully petitioned for a fresh election following an insufficient number of members coming forward in October 2025.
The move allows the two previously active community councils to run elections again after falling below the minimum membership required to form.
Anyone aged 16 or over who lives within the relevant community council area and is registered to vote can submit a nomination from the 6th of January 2026.
Candidates have until 4pm on Tuesday the 20th of January 2026 to submit their nomination forms.
Those who stood in the unsuccessful October 2025 elections for these community councils do not need to resubmit their forms.
Karen Greaves said the petitions reflected strong local interest in restoring community representation.
“As these communities were previously active they were able to petition the council, under the electoral scheme for community councils, to have their area’s election run for a further period.
“We look forward to receiving the new nominations by 4pm on 20 January 2026 from any member of the community eager to join their local community council.”
The number of available seats has been confirmed, with Buckie and District offering 12 places split between Buckie with 8 seats and Rathven and Arradoul with 4.
Findochty and District has 7 available seats.
Completed and valid nomination forms must be submitted to the Elections Office at Moray Council, Council Offices, Elgin, no later than 4pm on Tuesday the 20th of January 2026.
Nomination forms are available from the elections office by calling 01343 563334 or by email elections@moray.gov.uk, or online.
If the number of valid nominations exceeds the maximum number of seats, a postal ballot will be held after nominations close.
Where nominations fall between the minimum and maximum membership levels, those nominated will be declared elected without a ballot.
