North Isles by-election update

Voters are being encouraged to cast their vote by post in the North Isles by-election.

The by-election on Thursday 1 October is being held to elect a councillor to represent the ward on Orkney Islands Council.

Many North Isles constituents are already registered for postal voting - and will receive their postal vote packs on or around Wednesday 23 September.

Residents who haven’t opted to vote in this way in previous elections are advised to consider taking up this option for the by-election.

Returning Officer for Orkney, John Mundell, said: “In the interests of safety during the ongoing pandemic, I would strongly encourage folk in the North Isles to take part in the by-election using a postal vote.

“The usual polling station in Kirkwall for North Isles residents will be available at the St Magnus Centre for those with an essential need to vote in this way.

“But voting in person may not be possible if, for instance, you are unable to travel because you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate by a contact tracer. Please consider voting by post instead.”

Residents who wish to register to receive a postal vote or to nominate someone to vote by post on their behalf - a postal proxy vote – are advised to contact the local Electoral Registration Office by email to ero@orkney.gov.uk or by phoning 01856876222.

Alternatively, application forms can be downloaded here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote

The deadline for applications to receive a postal vote – or for a postal proxy vote - is 17:00 on Wednesday 16 September 2020.

The deadline for those who wish to nominate someone to vote in person on their behalf at the polling station – a proxy vote – is 17:00 on Wednesday 23 September.

To apply for a postal, proxy or postal proxy vote, you first need to ensure you are on the Electoral Register by midnight on Tuesday 15 September at the very latest.

If you are unsure about whether you are registered to vote at your current address, contact the Electoral Registration Office for help. If you have recently moved address and have not registered yet, you can do this online at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Young voters can take part in the by-election as long as they are on the Electoral Register and have turned 16 on or before 1 October 2020.

The count, which is not open to the public, will take place at Kirkwall Town Hall on Friday 2 October.