East Livingston and East Calder By-Election

Yes. Current regulations allow people to leave home to vote. However, postal votes are encouraged where possible.

The Electoral Commission has developed a set of election objectives with the UK's governments, political parties and electoral administrators, to ensure the elections can be delivered safely and successfully. This has been done with the input of all political parties and governing bodies.

The assessment of risk in relation to the coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing process and the position will be kept under review in accordance with the latest national and local guidance in relation to Covid-19 restrictions and public health guidance.

The Returning Officer has successfully delivered the Livingston South by-election (March 2021) and the Scottish Parliamentary elections (May 2021) under COVID restrictions and so has experience and good practice to build on.

Arrangements will be in place to help ensure polling stations meet strict health and safety standards for those who wish to vote in person.  You can watch a short video on this page to demonstrate the arrangements which will be in place on polling day.

Risk assessments will be completed to determine what measures need to be in place at polling stations. All measures will be in accordance with the most up to date public health guidance and in keeping with any national or local Covid-19 restrictions that are in force on the day of the by-election.

Voters can expect many of the measures they've become used to over recent months, such as the use of hand sanitiser, floor markings and face coverings. The arrangements for the Livingston South by-election in March 2021 and for the Scottish Parliament elections in May will be used again, subject to any changes in regulations and Scottish Government guidance. Arrangements will be communicated in advance of the polling date of Thursday 5 August. 

Anyone who is registered and qualified to vote in council elections for East Livingston and East Calder ward are able to cast their vote in the by-election.

• You can vote via a postal vote
• You can vote in person
• You can have someone vote for you (by proxy)

That includes young people aged 16 and over and some prisoners.

Registration for voting in the by-election closed on Monday 19 July. 

Yes. You can submit a postal vote or a proxy vote (where someone else votes in person on your behalf). You can also arrange for someone to cast your vote for you by post (postal proxy vote).

The deadline for applications for new postal and proxy votes has now passed. 

However, you can still apply for an emergency proxy vote if something happens that prevents you from voting in person. That includes where you are following COVID-related medical or public health advice. Those applications can be made online up till 5 pm on polling day (5 August 2021).

All these applications must be made to the Electoral Registration Officer at www.lothian-vjb.gov.uk or by sending complete applications to 17A South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 9FL or calling 0131 344 2500.

Further information on registering to vote can be read here: Registering to vote

Postal votes are encouraged where possible.

Please note applications for new postal votes or changes to existing postal votes has now passed. 

Postal vote forms have now been sent out and voters are being encouraged to complete and return voting forms as soon as possible while following the instructions issued alongside your voting form. 

A proxy vote allows a nominated person to cast your vote on your behalf either in person or by post.

Applications for emergency proxy votes can be made up to 5pm on polling day (5 August 2021). The process has been made easier to allow anyone complying with coronavirus regulations or guidance to be able to vote. Applications must be made to the Electoral Registration Officer at Lothian Valuation Joint Board website or by sending complete applications to 17A South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 9FL or calling 0131 344 2500.

By law, it is not currently possible to hold elections by postal vote only.

Current regulations allow people to leave home to vote however casting your vote by post is encouraged where possible.

The deadline for applying for a postal vote is Tuesday 20 July 2021.

A full list of polling stations will be published on the West Lothian Council website ahead of the By-Election.  Poll cards will be sent as usual to tell you where to vote.

Yes. Measures have been implemented across all venues to ensure that they are accessible for all voters to cast their vote on the day should they wish to do so. All polling stations have wheelchair access and each polling station will have polling booths which have been specially adapted to ensure they are accessible.

Staff will be on hand at each polling station to offer assistance and support to ensure all voters including those with accessibility requirements are able to cast their vote should they require it.

The poll will be open from 7am and will close at 10pm. You will not be turned away at 10pm if you are already in a queue to vote.

The votes will be counted on Friday 6 August 2021 and the result will be declared as soon as the count is completed. 

A full list of candidates will be published on the West Lothian Council website on 5 July 2021.

Candidates and political parties will have to decide for themselves if and how they will campaign, taking coronavirus regulations and guidance into account. The Returning Officer cannot control campaigning that takes place in the run-up to polling day.