Postal voting packs for by-election arriving from next week

Postal voting packs for the forthcoming by-election in Stromness and the South Isles will start hitting door mats in the ward from next week (week beginning March 18). 

The deadline for applying for a new postal vote – or making changes to an existing postal or proxy vote - is 5.00pm on Wednesday 13 March.

Those in the ward who have yet to receive their polling card are also being urged to check their registration details with the local Electoral Registration Office immediately, as the deadline for this is midnight tomorrow (Tuesday 12 March). 

The seat is vacant following the retirement of James Stockan. 

Two candidates have put themselves forward for the vacant seat in the Stromness and South Isles by-election.

Voters will go to the polls on Thursday 28 March, with the names on the ballot paper being Janette Park and Magnus Thomson. 

As it is a local Council election, voters will number the candidates in order of preference - or just place a 1 next to the only candidate they wish to vote for. 

Polls will open at 7:00am and close at 10:00pm – with the counting of votes taking place immediately after the close of poll and a result expected in the early hours of the Friday morning

Voters can either cast their vote in person at polling stations at the Stromness Warehouse Buildings or the One Stop Shop in Kirkwall, or they can apply for a postal or proxy vote. 

Orkney Islands Council’s Chief Executive, Oliver Reid, is Returning Officer for the election. 

He said: “The option to vote by post is an incredibly important and valued factor of our electoral system, extending the opportunities to take part in the democratic process for anyone  who might otherwise struggle to make it to a polling station for any reason – whether that be geographic, due to their employment situation or for family reasons.  

“Anyone can apply for a postal vote – but you must do so by this Wednesday. “

The deadline to apply for a new proxy vote is Wednesday 20 March at 5.00pm, with emergency proxy votes available up to 5:00pm on polling day.

For further information on checking registrations or applying for a postal or proxy vote, contact the Electoral Registration Office, 8 Broad Street, Kirkwall. Tel: 01856 876222, email ero@orkney.gov.uk