Buckie by-election postal voters urged to act fast to avoid Royal Mail strikes

RESIDENTS with postal votes for the forthcoming Buckie ward by-election are being urged to return them as soon as possible to avoid Royal Mail strikes.

The by-election takes place on November 3 following the resignation of Christopher Price in August.

The first issue of postal vote packs were sent out today (Friday) with a second smaller issue to follow thereafter. The strikes by Royal Mail workers are due to take place on October 25 and November 2-3.

Moray Council’s Returning Officer, Denise Whitworth, said: “Strike action is planned to take place in the period leading up to polling day, so postal votes may take longer to reach us.

“As a result, we strongly encourage people to complete and return their postal votes as soon as possible. Legally, we’re unable to count postal votes that arrive back to us after 10pm on polling day.”

Postal voters can also deliver their completed pack into a postal voter’s ballot box available in Buckie Library, Cluny Place from October 26 until November 2. The library is open from 10am every day except Friday and Sunday.

Alternatively voters can hand their postal vote pack in directly to the reception at the Council Offices, High Street, Elgin.

Voters unable to return their postal vote before 3 November, may hand their postal vote pack to polling staff on November 3 at any polling station between 7am and 10pm.

The polling stations for the council by-election are: Function Hall, Buckpool Golf Club, Barhill Road; Buckie Methodist Church Hall, Titness Street, Buckie; North Church Hall, Cluny Square, Buckie; Royal British Legion Hall, 65 High Street Buckie; Portessie Methodist Church Hall, George Street; Findochty Town Hall, Station Road.

For more information voters can contact the elections helpline on (01343) 563334 or visit www.moray.gov.uk/elections

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.