The Returning Officer has carried out a risk assessment as called for by guidance from the Electoral Management Board. Based on current circumstances the by election remains scheduled for Thursday 11 March 2021. The Board, the Electoral Commission and the Ministers have been advised accordingly. The assessment of risk in relation to the coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing process and the position will be kept under review.
The Notice of Election for the Livingston South By-Election is here [29.99KB]
The Notice of Poll for the Livingston South By-Election has been published [91.05KB]
The Notice of Appointment of Election Agents for the Livingston South By-Election has been published [91.51KB]
The Notice of Situation of Polling Places and Stations for the Livingston South By-Election has been published [94.25KB]
We will continue to keep you updated in relation to any significant developments. If you have any queries please email the Election Team
The deadline for registering to vote in the by-election is 23 February. You can register to vote online.
The deadline for applying for a postal vote is 5pm on 24 February. Contact the Electoral Registration Officer for more information.
FAQ on the By-Election
Can the by-election still take place under lockdown restrictions?
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.
Based on current circumstances the by-election remains scheduled for Thursday 11 March 2021.
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.
What if the by-election is postponed?
The Returning Officer for West Lothian has the power to substitute a fresh date or dates for polling to take place up to but not after 6 May 2021. The date will be kept under review in light of developing and changing circumstances and a further notice would be published in the event that the polling date is to be changed.
Are extra measures being put in place?
Arrangements will be in place to help ensure polling stations meet strict health and safety standards for those who wish to vote in person.
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. Arrangements will be communicated in advance of the polling date of Thursday 11 March.
Who can vote in the By-Election?
Anyone who is registered and qualified to vote in council elections for Livingston South 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.
How do I register?
Eligible voters have until midnight on Tuesday 23 February to make sure they are registered to vote in the Livingston South By-Election on Thursday 11 March. Registering to vote is now very easy. You can Register to Vote online Or call 0131 344 2500 and the Electoral Registration Office will help with telephone registration. Or download a form from the Electoral Registration Office, Lothian Valuation Joint Board, 17A South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 9FL. For more information on elections and voting generally, please visit About My Vote.
You only have to make one application to be registered for all elections.
Can I still cast my vote if I can't attend in person?
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).
Anyone who is registered to vote in this by election can apply to vote by post. Applications for new postal votes (including postal proxy votes) must be made by 5 pm on Wednesday 24 February 2021.
Applications for changes to existing postal or proxy votes must be made by 5 pm on Wednesday 24 February 2021.
Applications for new proxy votes (except for emergencies) must be made by 5 pm on Wednesday 3 March 2021. After that, applications for emergency proxies can be made online, and that will allow anyone following coronavirus regulations or guidance the chance to vote.
All these 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.
Further information on registering to vote can be read here: Registering to vote
How do I register for a postal vote?
Postal votes are encouraged where possible.
Anyone who is registered to vote in this by election can apply to vote by post. Applications for new postal votes (including postal proxy votes where someone else submits the postal vote on your behalf) or changes to postal vote details must be made by 5 pm on Wednesday 24 February 2021.
Applications for changes to existing postal or proxy votes must be made by 5 pm on Wednesday 24 February 2021.
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.
How do I register for a proxy vote?
A proxy vote allows a nominated person to cast your vote on your behalf either in person or by post. If you are already registered for a proxy vote but need to make changes to your details then this must be done by 5 pm on Wednesday 24 February 2021. Applications for new proxy votes (except for emergencies) must be made by 5 pm on Wednesday 3 March 2021. Applications for emergency proxy votes can be made between Wednesday 3 March and 5 pm on polling day. 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.
Why can't the election be postal votes only?
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.
Where are the polling stations?
A full list of polling stations will be published on the West Lothian Council website ahead of the By-Election.
What time is the poll open?
The poll will be open from 7 am and will close at 10 pm. You will not be turned away at 10 pm if you are already in a queue to vote.
When will the declaration (result) be announced?
The votes will be counted on Friday 12 March and the result will be declared as soon as the count is completed.
Where can I view the candidates?
A full list of candidates will be published on the West Lothian Council website on 8 or 9 February.
Will candidates be campaigning?
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.
