Ward 4 - Kilpatrick By-Election Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get on the register?

Refer to website https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) on 0141 562 1200. 

The deadline for registration to vote is midnight on Tuesday, 12 November 2024.

I have moved house.  How do I change my details?

Contact the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) on 0141 562 1200.

The deadline for registration to vote is midnight on Tuesday, 12 November 2024.

How do I know whether I am registered to vote?

Contact the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) on 0141 562 1200. 

The deadline for registering to vote is midnight on Tuesday, 12 November 2024.

If I pay Council tax or have returned my census am I automatically entitled to vote?

No, registration is a separate process. You must contact the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) on 0141 562 1200.

The deadline for registration to vote is midnight on Tuesday, 12 November 2024.

I am a Student and am not sure where to register to vote?

Contact the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) on 0141 562 1200 who will advise you on your options.

The deadline for registration to vote is midnight on Tuesday, 12 November 2024.

I’ve lost my poll card – can I still vote?

You don’t need a poll card to be able to vote, you just have to give the clerk your name and address.

If you are an anonymous voter you must provide your poll card. Contact the Election Office on 01389 737 643 for a replacement. 

I haven’t received a poll card.  How can I vote?

You don’t need a poll card to be able to vote.  You just have to give the clerk your name and address.  However, to be on the safe side, it is best to check that your name is on the register. Contact the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) on 0141 562 1200.

I have received a poll card for a member of my family who no longer lives here.

This means that your relative is still registered at your address on the electoral register.  Contact the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) on 0141 562 1200.

My relative has died but has received a poll card?

Contact the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) on 0141 562 1200, as they will need to remove the deceased relative from the register.

I have received a poll card for someone who doesn’t live at my address

This means that the person is on the register at your address.  It may be that they lived there before you and the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) has not been advised of the change, or it may simply be a clerical error.  The Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) will help you deal with this.

Can I vote at this By-Election?

Contact the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) on 0141 562 1200 to check eligibility to vote.

I think I may be away when the By-Election takes place. How can I vote?

You can apply for a postal vote.  The deadline for applications for postal votes is Wednesday, 13 November 2024 at 5pm.  You can register online or download an application form from https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or obtain one from the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) – call 0141 562 1200.  The completed form must be returned to the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’)  at 235 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank. 

In certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a proxy vote. Contact the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) on 0141 562 1200 for full information.

I will not be away but would prefer to vote by post? Can I still get a postal vote?

Yes. The deadline for applications for postal votes is Wednesday, 13 November 2024 at 5pm. You can register online or download an application form from https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or obtain one from the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) – call 0141 562 1200.  The completed form must be returned to the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’)  at 235 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank. 

Contact the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) on 0141 562 1200 for full information.

Who is entitled to apply for a postal vote?

Any person who is on the Register of Electors and eligible to vote at the By-Election is entitled to a postal vote, but they have to apply to the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) by 5pm on Wednesday, 13 November 2024 for this By-Election.  Download details from https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote  or ask for a form from the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) – call 0141 562 1200. 

How do I apply for a postal vote?

Download details from https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or ask for a form from the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) - 0141 562 1200.  Forms must be returned to the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) at 235 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank by the closing time and date.

I want to change my postal vote details/I don’t want a postal vote any more.

To change, you need to contact the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’).  You have to advise the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) in writing before the cut off date, which is 5pm on Wednesday, 13 November 2024.

I haven’t received my postal vote.

This year, the majority of postal votes should arrive on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, depending on when the application was made. 

I have received a postal vote, but I don’t understand what I have to do.

Contact the Election Office on 01389 737 643.

I have lost my postal vote.

If the postal vote is lost in the post it can be cancelled and re-issued. Contact the Election Office on 01389 737 643 who will explain the procedure.

I have made a mess of my postal vote, can I get a new one?

Yes, contact the Election Office on 01389 737 643 who will explain the procedure concerning the spoilt ballot paper.

Why do I have to sign my postal vote application and put on my date of birth?

This is a security measure.  The signature and date of birth on the statement are compared electronically to the ones you supplied on your application for a postal vote.  If you don’t fill them in or if they don’t match the originals, your votes will not count.

If I sign and give my date of birth, can anyone know how I have voted?

No.  The statement will be kept separate from the envelope containing your ballot papers, so no-one will see both of them together.

When does the postal vote have to be returned?

Postal votes have to be returned to the Returning Officer by 10pm on polling day – Thursday, 28 November 2024 or you can hand it in to any polling place in the Kilpatrick Ward of West Dunbartonshire Council:

• St Mary's Primary School, Chapel Road, Duntocher, Clydebank G81 6DL
• Goldenhill Primary School, Stewart Drive, Hardgate, Clydebank G81 6AH
• Faifley Parish Church Hall, Faifley Road, Clydebank G81 5AR
• St Joseph's Church Hall, Faifley Road, Clydebank G81 5EZ

How do I know if you have received my postal vote?

We will not open any postal votes received until Monday, 25 November 2024.  Contact the Election Office on 01389 737 643 after Tuesday, 26 November 2024 and we will be able to check if the vote has been received.

I have received a postal vote but I would prefer to vote in person.

Once you receive a postal vote, you are not allowed to vote in person at a polling station, but, if you want, you can complete your postal vote, seal it in the envelope provided and hand it in to any polling place in the Kilpatrick Ward of West Dunbartonshire Council. You must not put it in the ballot box.

For further advice contact the Election Office on 01389 737 643.

What is a proxy vote?

A proxy vote is when you choose a family member to cast your vote for you.  The proxy can vote in person or by post. 

If you are amending an existing postal proxy vote, you must return your application by Wednesday, 13 November 2024 at 5pm.

To appoint a proxy voter (non postal) at this By-Election, you must submit your application by 5pm on Wednesday, 20 November 2024. Contact the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) on 0141 562 1200 to find out if you are eligible.

A member of my family has taken ill and won’t be able to go the polling place to vote

After 5pm on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, they may qualify for an emergency proxy vote - contact the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’)  on 0141 562 1200 to find out if they are eligible to appoint a proxy.

Emergency proxy votes can be applied for up until 5pm on polling day itself.  The Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) will decide whether the proxy can be granted.

If after 5pm on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, you are unable to vote in person because you have a medical emergency or are following the advice of a registered medical practitioner or you learn you cannot go to the Polling Station because of work reasons or have been sentenced to a period of detention of 12 months or less, you can apply to vote by proxy.  Completed applications must reach the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) by 5pm on Thursday, 28 November 2024.  To find out how to apply, call the Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) on 0141 562 1200.

How do I know where I go to vote?

You will receive a poll card before the By-Election.  That card will tell you where you are registered to vote.  It will also tell you if you have registered for a postal vote.

I’ve lost my poll card – can I still vote?

 You don’t need your poll card to vote (unless you are an anonymous voter).  Just go to your polling place and tell the clerk your name and address. If the caller cannot remember their polling place refer them to the Election Office on 01389 737 643.

What provision is made for people with disabilities?

Access issues are taken into consideration for all electoral procedures: when planning for an election or referendum; on polling day itself; and during the electoral registration process. See further details below.

What provision is made for blind or visually impaired voters?

• Tactile voting templates, large print versions of ballot papers, magnifying lenses and pencil grips are available at all polling stations.
• You can also take a companion with you to assist you or ask the presiding officer at the polling station for help.
• You could apply for a postal vote or to vote by proxy.

What provision is there for people for whom English is not their first language?

• All ballot papers are in English – this is the law.
• Registration and postal voting forms are available in a number of different languages – refer to Electoral Registration Office (‘ERO’) on 0141 562 1200.

What provision is there for wheelchair users?

• Each polling station is different. However, in choosing venues for polling places, the Council ensures that they are all accessible by wheelchair.
• Alternatively, you could apply for a postal vote to allow you to vote from home; or nominate a proxy to vote on your behalf.

When will the votes be counted?

The votes will be counted from 10pm onwards on Thursday, 28 November 2024.

Where is the Count held?

The Count will be held in Clydebank Town Hall, 49 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank.

Is it open to the public?

No, you have to be an agent for one of the candidates or an official observer authorised by the Electoral Commission.

When will the results be announced?

The results will be announced at the end of the count, which will likely be between 1 am and 2 am on Friday, 29 November 2024.

Details will be available on the Ward 4 By-Election page after the count has been concluded.