8 candidates to stand in Highland Council by-election in Inverness South
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Eight candidates have been confirmed as standing in next month's Highland Council by-election in the Inverness South ward.
The by-election, to be held on Thursday April 11, follows the resignation of Councillor Colin Aitken (Scottish Liberal Democrats) who was one of four councillors representing the ward.
Following today’s deadline for nominations, Highland Council confirmed the candidates standing are:
*Jonathan Chartier - Scottish Liberal Democrats
*Jimmy Duncan - Alba Party
*Ryan Forbes - Scottish Conservative and Unionist
*Andew MacDonald - Sovereignty
*Duncan Cameron McDonald – Independent
*Gordon Shanks - Scottish National Party (SNP)
*Arun Sharma - Scottish Green Party
*Ron Stevenson - Scottish Labour Party
Following the voting, the electronic count will be held the following day in Highland Council's headquarters in Glenurquhart Road, Inverness.
The successful candidate will join the other ward members Councillors Ken Gowans (Scottish National Party), Duncan Macpherson (Highland Alliance) and Andrew Sinclair (Scottish Conservative and Unionist).
This election may be an opportunity for young people, 16 years and over, living in the ward to participate in democracy and vote for the first time.
The council stated: "Everyone, no matter their circumstances, should be able to participate in elections and cast their vote with confidence.
"We have made improvements in making the voting process more accessible and have put in place various measures including reasonable adjustments in polling places for anyone with a disability."
Anyone aged over 16 who is living in the ward is eligible to take part in this by-election, if they are registered to vote.
To register, visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or alternatively call the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393783 for assistance. The last date to register to vote in this by-election is midnight on Monday March 25 2024.
Voters will be able to cast their vote in person on the day by visiting their polling station or they can apply for either a postal vote or appoint a proxy which is requesting someone to vote on their behalf.
As polling day falls in the Easter school holidays, anyone who thinks they will be away and unable to vote in person can apply for a postal vote.
The latest time to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday March 26 2024 and the deadline for anyone wishing to appoint a proxy is 5pm on Wednesday April 3 2024.
Advice on postal and proxy voting is available by contacting the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393783 or emailing ero@highland.gov.uk
