Anyone who is not registered to vote should visit Register to Vote online (opens new window) or call 0131 344 2500.
With the potential that COVID restrictions and measures will still be in place come election day, it is important to take note of the different ways you can cast your vote without attending a polling station.
You can do this by requesting a postal or a proxy vote.
Postal Vote
Anyone who is registered to vote in this by-election can apply to vote by post. Applications for new postal votes (including postal proxy votes where someone else nominated by you and who you trust submits the postal vote on your behalf) or changes to postal vote details must be made by 5 pm on Tuesday 20 July 2021.
Proxy Vote
A proxy vote allows you to nominate someone you trust to cast your vote on your behalf either in person or by post. New applications to register to vote by proxy must be done by 5pm on Tuesday 27 July 2021. If you are already registered for a proxy vote but need to make changes to your details, or if you would like to register for a postal proxy vote, then this must be done by an earlier deadline of 5pm on Tuesday 20 July 2021.
Applications for both postal and proxy votes must be made to the Electoral Registration Officer by sending complete applications to 17A South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 9FL or calling 0131 344 2500. You can also find relevant applications and guidance via the Lothian Valuation Joint Board website (opens new window).
In order to be eligible to vote at this by-election, your registered address must be within the East Livingston and East Calder ward area. In the run up to the by-election, and if you are registered to vote, you will receive a polling card. This will tell you where your polling place is. If you are unsure if your address falls under the council ward area for East Livingston and East Calder, you can check a council ward map on the , or you can contact the Electoral Registration Office on 0131 344 2500.
To vote, you must be 16 or over on election day (5 August 2021).
Other voting criteria includes either being a British citizen, a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a qualifying foreign national.
For more information on voting, please visit either Electoral Commission's website (opens new window) or Information on Voting on the council website.
