Seven stand for one council seat

Councillor Kevin Drum, who died last year.

Residents in the ward are reminded that they have less than a week left to make sure they are registered to vote if they want to have their say in the by-election on Thursday, March 11.

Electors aged 16 or over in the ward, which includes Tweedbank, Melrose, Earlston and Lauder, are eligible to vote.

The deadline for registr ations is midnight on Tuesday, February 23 . Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to register online.

Those registered can apply to vote by post, but must do so by 5pm next Wednesday, February 24, with the closing date for proxy vote applications, enabling someone to v ote on your behalf, closing at 5pm on Wednesday, March 3.

Polling stations will be open as normal, however a range of measures will be in place to ensure th at those who wish to vote in person can do so as saf ely as possible, including adherence to social-distancing guideline s and the wearing of face coverings.

The election is taking place following the death last year of Councillor Kevin Drum.

The candidates contesting the by-election are as follows:

Jonny Adamson, Scottish Liberal Democrats;

Mary Douglas, Independent;

Jenny Linehan, Scottish Conservative and U nionist;

Michael Needham, Scottish Green Party;

John PatonDay, Scottish National Party

Scott Redpath, Scottish Labour Party; and

Karen Wilks, Independent

One candidate will be elected using t he single transferable vote system, meaning electors should vote by numbers, ranking candidates in order of preference from 1 to 7.

Electors are asked to take their poll card to the polling station when casting their vote, although it is not essential.

More information on registering to vote and postal and proxy applications can be found at www.scotborders.gov.uk/elections

An electronic count of votes cast will take place at Volunteer Hall in Galashiels on Friday, March 12.