An introduction to elections
Argyll and Bute Council administers all local and national elections in the area. There are three standard types of elections:
- Local (Council)
- Scottish Parliamentary (Constituency and List)
- Parliamentary (Westminster)
In addition to these, By-elections will be held if a Councillor, MP or MSP dies or resigns. Special Elections such as referendums are also held occasionally. Community Council Elections are run every four years with By-elections being held every 2 years.
Upcoming Elections and Ballots
| Date | Election |
|---|---|
Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places 2023-2025
Find out about the Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places.
Information about voting
Are you registered to vote?
To take part in elections and referenda, you must be registered to vote. Register to vote now
You can find out more information about registering to vote, or check if you are already registered (this is sometimes called the electoral roll) by calling the Electoral Registration Office on 01586 555300.
To vote in some elections (UK Parliamentary Elections, including General Elections, by-elections and recall petitions) you will need to show photo ID - please see our Voter ID page for more information.
If you move house, you don't get registered at your new address automatically - you will need to update your details online or call the Electoral Registration Office to change your address.
For more information on residency, age and nationalities for qualifying to register, please visit the Registration Office website.
How to vote
In person - Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm on polling day. As long as you are registered to vote, you will receive a poll card which will tell you where your polling station is.
Voting by post - Anyone can apply to vote by post, you do not need a special reason. You must be registered to vote, and need to fill in an application form.
Please return completed forms to:
Electoral Registration Officer
Kilbrannan House
Bolgam Street
Campbeltown
PA28 6HZ
Proxy vote - In some cases it may be possible for you to apply for a proxy vote. This is when you appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf. For more information about this, please contact the Electoral Registration Office on the number above, or follow this link to find out more - Find out more about proxy voting
More information: The Electoral Commission - an independent body which oversees elections - has useful information for voters, candidates / agents, campaigners and electoral administrators available on the website.
Did you know that in Scotland, you can vote in some elections once you’re 16?
Young people are clear that they want to have a say in decisions that affect them. Voting is one of the most effective and important ways they can use their voice and influence results.
The Electoral Registration Office contacts young people aged 14/15, throughout the year, to encourage them to register to vote in time for their 16th birthday.
If you’re 14 and over, you can register to vote. If you’re 16 or over, and you’ve registered, you can vote in Scottish Parliament and local government elections – helping to choose the MSPs and councillors who will represent the area where you live.
Please look out for information coming out in the post from the Electoral Registration Office. It will include forms and guidance on what to do and how to do it. You can also register online – it’s quick and easy to do, and it only takes five minutes. There are links below to the information provided by both the Scottish and UK Governments about registration and voting.
Don’t miss out on your chance to have your say in how your local area is represented – register now so you can vote when the time’s right!
Register to vote in Scotland - mygov.scot
Register to vote - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Contact the Election Office
If you have any queries please contact the Election Team who will be happy to help:
Argyll and Bute Council Election Office
Kilmory
Lochgilphead
PA31 8RT
Telephone: 01546 605522
Email: elections@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Your personal data
The election office provide a number of services to a range of people and in some cases they rely on us collecting and using information about individuals. Everything we do with that information has to comply with data protection legislation. Below follows information on our data protection practices through a series of privacy notices relevant to a number of parties. These notices are used to inform you of details about the type of information we collect, why we collect it, what we use if for, who we share it with and what rights you have about the information we hold about you.
- Privacy notice - Elections - candidates and agents
- Privacy notice - Polling Station Contacts
- Privacy notice - Electors
- Privacy notice - Election staff
Access to Elected Office Fund
This fund offers financial assistance to disabled people who are seeking selection or have already been selected to stand in Local Authority and Scottish Parliament Elections, including by-elections. The Fund is administered by Inclusion Scotland and pays for practical support to allow disabled people to fully participate in the electoral process. Further information is available on the Inclusion Scotland website
Working at Elections in Argyll and Bute
Have you ever thought of getting involved at election time by either working at a polling station or at the count? Our Election Team is always looking for new people to help us, and would love to hear from you if you are interested in becoming involved.