ARGYLL and Bute Council is holding a by-election for one seat in its Oban, South and the Isles ward on Thursday 22nd May 2014.

Nominations are now open for anyone who is interested in standing for election as a councillor. You can get nomination forms from Argyll and Bute Council Election Office, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT or from Municipal Building, Albany Street, Oban, PA34 4AW.  They can also be downloaded at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/oban-south-and-isles-election-22-may-2014

The nomination period closes at 4pm on Wednesday 16 April and, unless the by-election is not contested, voting will take place on Thursday 22 May. Votes will be counted on the afternoon of Friday 23 May with the results announced that day.

Polling cards will be issued soon and you can also find a list of polling stations for this by-election online at http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/elections, by calling the Election Office on 01546 603264 or phoning the Registration Office on 0800 980 0470.

People who wish to apply for a postal or proxy vote can write to the Electoral Registration Officer, Kilbrannan House, Bolgam Street, Campbeltown, visit www.dab-vjb.gov.uk or call 0800 980 0470. Postal vote applications must be made by 5pm on Wednesday 7 May, with the deadline for proxy nominations being 5pm on Wednesday 14 May.

Additional information

By-elections are held when an elected representative resigns or passes away.

The voting system used for all local government elections is the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, where voters are asked to number candidates in order of choice.

The Oban, South and the Isles ward includes the main town of Oban and the islands of Mull, Iona, Coll and Tiree, with a total electorate of around 8,000 people.