The 2017 Highland Council election has been officially called today (Monday 13 March) with the Returning Officer seeking nominations from candidates wishing to stand in the local government elections which take place on Thursday 4 May.
A total of 74 Councillors will be appointed to represent the Council in 21 electoral wards, each with three or four elected members. Previously Highland has had 80 councillors. Caithness will now have two wards instead of three and will lose 2 councillors.
The deadline for nominations is 4.00 pm on Wednesday 29 March
The Returning Officer for the election is Steve Barron, Chief Executive, The Highland Council and in the lead up to the election, a series of briefings for prospective candidates have been held in Inverness; Fort William; Skye; Dingwall; Golspie and Wick which have been well attended.
Voting will be taking place on 4 May in 267 polling stations with the option for people to use a postal vote. If you choose to vote by post then you cannot vote in person at a polling station.
The votes will be counted electronically on the following day (Friday 5 May 2017) at Inverness Leisure.
Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Council's website www.highland.gov.uk/elections along with information on where candidates for particular wards need to return their forms to. Forms can also be obtained by telephoning 01349 886657.
Completed nomination papers must be delivered no later than 4.00 pm on Wednesday 29 March 2017 to the appropriate Depute Returning Officer. The Depute Returning Officers are unable to accept nomination papers electronically.
An election helpline has been set up by the Returning Officer to assist the public and candidates with any queries. The number is 01349 886657.
If an elector is away or cannot go to the polling station on Thursday 4 May 2017, they can apply to vote by post or apply to vote by proxy. To find out how to apply, call the helpline immediately.
Extensive information about the elections is also posted on The Highland Council's web site - www.highland.gov.uk. This includes information for anyone considering standing on the different aspects of a councillor's role so they are prepared if successfully elected. There are also links to the Electoral Commission site where guidance and resources are available for candidates and their agents.
