A by-election will be held to elect a councillor to the Southside/Newington Ward (Ward 15) and the Portobello/Craigmillar Ward (Ward 17). Polling will take place between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 3 September 2026.
The Returning Officer has published the Notice of Situation of Polling Stations for Ward 15 and Notice of Situation of Polling Stations for Ward 17 containing a full list of polling stations ahead of the by-election.
What are the closing dates for this by-election?
Deadline for Applications to be included on the Register of Electors for this by-election
- Midnight on Tuesday 18th August 2026
You can go online to register to vote – it only takes five minutes.
Deadline for Applications to Vote by Post (or to change existing postal or proxy voting arrangement)
- 5pm on Wednesday 19 August 2026
Deadline for New Applications to Vote by Proxy
- 5pm on Wednesday 26 August 2026
You can download a copy of an application to vote by post or by proxy via our website.
Please note, postal ballot papers may be delivered as late as 7 days before polling day.
Which voting system Do I use in Local council by-Elections?
Councillors are elected using the Single Transferrable Voting system, a form of proportional representation. Electors should rank candidates in order of preference, starting with one for their first choice, two for their second choice, and so on. Voters can mark a preference for as many or as few candidates as they wish.
Unlike UK Parliament elections, you do not require photo ID to vote in local council elections in Scotland.
Voters will receive a poll card in the post to confirm the location of their polling station. It is not essential to take a poll card to the polling station when casting your vote.
Who Can Vote in this by-election?
To vote in this by-election electors must: –
- Be resident and registered to vote in either the Southside/Newington Ward or Portobello/Craigmillar Ward.
- Be aged 16 or over on the day of the by-election
- Be a British, Irish, qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a qualifying foreign national.
More information on electors eligibility criteria is available here.
Where can i view the candidates?
The Returning Officer has published a Notice of Poll Ward 15 and Notice of Poll Ward 17 containing a full list of candidates in this by-election.
When will the By-Election result be announced?
The Returning Officer for the City of Edinburgh council is responsible for counting votes in this by-election. Votes will be counted from 10pm Thursday 3 September 2026, and the result will be declared as soon as the count is completed.
Ballot papers are scanned and counted electronically.
To request further information about registering to vote, applying for an absent vote (postal or proxy) or for all other enquiries please visit our contact details page.