MyEDC

    Technical Notes 2025, Issue 23 - Council By-Election Ward 7 Kirkintilloch East & North and Twechar 13 February 2025 (4) – Notice of By-election

    • Report by:

      Karen M Donnelly, Chief Solicitor & Monitoring Officer, Legal & Regulatory Services

    • TN Number:

      023-25

    • Subject:

      Council By-Election Ward 7 Kirkintilloch East & North and Twechar 13th February 2025 (5) – Arrangements for the Count

    • Responsible Officer:

      Karen M Donnelly, Chief Solicitor & Monitoring Officer

    • Publication:

      This Technical Note will be published on the Council’s website following circulation to Members. Its contents may be disclosed or shared outwith the Council.

    1. This is the latest in a series of Technical Notes to update Members on the ongoing planning and arrangements for the upcoming By-election for Ward 7 Kirkintilloch East & North and Twechar.

    2. Members will be aware that the By-election is scheduled to take place on 13th February 2025.

    3. Given the proportional representation system used for local authority elections in Scotland, the Count will be conducted electronically. For a full election of the Council, this generally takes place the day after the poll so as to have the right mix of technical and other experts available to support the counting process.  However, given that this by-election is for one candidate in one ward, the Count will take place on the evening of 13th

    4. Essentially, the Count will commence immediately following the closure of the Poll at 10pm and once the ballot boxes arrive at the count venue.

    5. Members are advised that unlike other elections, the Count will take place at the Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre.

    6. As with all election counts, operational use of the Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre will cease mid-afternoon on 13th February and from that point it will not be open to the public nor for any non-election purpose. Entry to the Count itself will be strictly by invitation only.

    7. Candidates have been advised of the arrangements and deadlines for appointing counting agents to act on their behalf at the Count. In addition to this, all current Members of the Council will be invited to the Count as guests of the Returning Officer.  This is a non-transferrable invite and there is no “plus one”. 

    8. Further details will be issued next week setting out the time of entry. Upon arrival all attendees will be required to sign and will receive a pass.  The pass must be worn and visible whilst in the Leisure Centre.

    9. If any Member has any questions regarding the By-election, please contact Karen Donnelly or Lesley McKenzie in the first instance.