Some information about voting in the new Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber Constituency.
Why has the constituency changed?
Following the Boundary Commission for Scotland’s 2023 Review of UK Parliament constituencies in Scotland, the country was allocated 57 constituencies, two less than at present.
Each constituency must contain no less than 69,724 Parliamentary electors, and no more than 77,062 (except two ‘protected’ constituencies of Na h-Eileanan an Iar (the Western Isles) and Orkney and Shetland.
If it is considered necessary, the Commission can recommend a constituency with an electorate lower than the minimum if it is larger than 12,000 square kilometres. No constituency can be larger than 13,000 square kilometres.
What is the electorate and size of Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber?
The new constituency has an electorate of approximately 71,000 and an area of 9,303 square kilometres. It is the third largest constituency in Scotland in terms of area.
For context: Glasgow North East Constituency has an Electorate of c.75,000 and an area of 39 square kilometres.
Where exactly does South Lochaber cover?
Broadly speaking, South Lochaber includes the Ardnamurchan Pensinsula, and Kinlochleven, across to Ballachulish and down to Glencoe.
This short video provides some information.
How do I know if I live within the Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber constituency?
Your poll card will tell you exactly which constituency you are voting in. You can also check at the Democracy Club website. Just put in your postcode.
How will I know which polling place I need to visit to cast my vote?
This is really important. Your poll card will tell you exactly where to go. There may have been changes to your polling place, so check that to make sure it is where you expect it to be.
I’ve already registered for a postal/proxy vote with Highland Council. Do I need to re-register with Argyll and Bute Council?
Your poll card will tell you if you have registered for a postal or proxy vote. If you have any doubt, contact your local Electoral Registration Office.
For Highland Council residents
For Argyll and Bute Council residents
Can I still return my postal vote to a polling station if I forget to post it
Yes, you can hand in a postal vote into any polling station within the constituency. However, you will now have to fill in a form at the polling station when you hand in your vote. You will receive a leaflet with your polling card that fully explains this.
Do I need voter ID for this election?
Yes, this is an election where you are required to show voter ID if you vote in person. This is a list of acceptable voter ID:
If you don’t have any of these forms of ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate: The deadline for this is 26 June.