The Ward 5 by-election has been called following the sad passing of Councillor Margaret Cooper.

This by-election uses the Single Transferable Vote (STV) voting system. This means voters are asked to rank candidates in order of preference.

You can make as many or as few choices as you wish, by putting a number 1 next to your first choice, number 2 for your second choice, and so on.

You do not have to rank all candidates, but you should put a number 1 next to your first preference for your vote to count.

In order to vote, eligible voters must be aged 16 or over and be registered to vote by midnight on Tuesday 1 September.

Candidates wishing to stand at the by-election have from Monday 3 August until 4pm on Monday 17 August to submit their nomination papers.

The deadline for receiving new postal vote and postal proxy applications, and for changes to existing postal or proxy votes, is 5pm on Wednesday 2 September.

The deadline for receiving new applications to vote by proxy (not postal proxy or emergency proxies) is 5pm on Wednesday 9 September.

Polling takes place between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 17 September, with the count commencing at close of poll and taking place at South Lanarkshire Council’s HQ in Hamilton.

More details are available on the council website. You can also email the election office or call them on 0303 123 1019.