With a week to go until the Hawick & Denholm local government by-election, residents are being reminded that the will need to vote by numbers.
This by-election uses a form of voting called Single Transferable Vote, where voters number candidates in order of choice. They mark a 1 by their first choice candidate, a 2 by their second, a 3 by their third and so on.
Tracey Logan, Returning Officer, said: “People in the Hawick and Denholm ward need to vote with numbers instead of using an X to make sure their vote counts. They don’t need to number all the candidates if they don’t want to - but they will need to number at least one.
“I would encourage voters to study the ballot paper instructions carefully and polling station staff will be able to help with any queries they may have.”
Voters are also being encouraged to check where they will vote. Details of their local polling station will be on their poll card. If someone has not received it or they are unsure of where to go they can call Scottish Borders Council’s elections team on 01835 825005.
The Hawick and Denholm by-election is being held on Thursday, May 22, with polling stations open from 7am to 10pm. It is required after the death of Councillor Zandra Elliot. The electronic counting of votes will take place at Council HQ in Newtown St Boswells from 10.30am on Friday 23 May.
The European Parliament Election is also being held on the same day. For this election people do need to put an X next to the party that they wish to vote for.
For more information about elections visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/elections