Candidate Information
Local government elections will be held on 5 May 2022 in which Dumfries and Galloway Council will elect 43 Councillors.
The Notice of Poll for each of the 12 Electoral Wards were published on 30 March 2022 and list the validly nominated candidates for each Ward. The name, description and address of each candidate is set out in each notice.
The details of all election agents for each candidate is also provided in the Notice of Election Agent for each Ward.
Briefing
All nominated Candidates and Election Agents can now register for online briefings, which the Returning Officer and Elections Team will host on:
- Briefing 1 - Pre-Election - 7 April 2022 (12.30 pm to 1.30pm and 5.15pm to 6.15pm)
- Briefing 2 - Polling Day and Election Count - 28 April 2022 (12.15pm to 1.30pm and 5.15pm to 6.15pm)
These sessions will provide an opportunity to outline important information including on polling, postal voting and the eCount process in Dumfries and Galloway, and to provide answers to any questions ahead of Polling Day on the 5 May 2022 and the Election Count on 6 May 2022.
If you are interested in attending one of the briefings please contact electionsoffice@dumgal.gov.uk
Electoral Commission Guidance
The Electoral Commission is also hosting a pre-election webinar for candidates, agents and parties taking part in the Scottish Council elections, to provide an opportunity to gain essential information on spending and donation rules. The webinar will take place virtually on Tuesday 5 April 2022 at 6pm-7pm.
Booking is essential and information on how to do this directly with the Electoral Commission will be circulated to all Candidates and Agents.
The Electoral Commission has produced a letter and guidance to assist prospective candidates and agents.
The guidance covers:
- Part Can you stand for elections?
- Part 2a Standing as an Independent Candidate
- Part 2b Standing as a Party Candidate
- Part 3 Spending and Donations
- Part 4 The Campaign
- Part 5 Your right to attend key events
- Part 6 After the declaration of results
The Improvement Service has also produced helpful guidance on its candidates' website www.localcouncillor.scot to include:
- Preparing for elected office worksheet
- Content from its Independent Candidates guide
- Section on What do Councillors do?
Access to Elected Office fund - Inclusion Scotland
The Access to Elected Office Fund (Scotland) is now open for disabled people standing in the local government elections. The Fund offers financial and non-financial support to remove any barriers applicants may face when campaigning. It is funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Inclusion Scotland.
Supporting resources such as an election timetable, nomination forms, appointment of agents etc are also available from the Electoral Commission's website. However, please note that Dumfries and Galloway specific nomination pack together with information for Candidates and Agents will be available to download soon.
Key Dates
Poll and Count Agent forms must be returned to the Elections Office by 5pm 27 April 2022.
Postal Vote Agent forms should be returned as soon as possible to the Elections Office.
