Community council elections
We work in partnership with community councils to arrange elections. Community council ordinary elections are held during the month of October at the same frequency as the local government elections.
The last community council elections were held in October 2024. 83 new community councils consisting of a total of 645 community councillors assumed office at 8am on Friday, 4 October 2024.
Vacancies on community councils may arise between ordinary elections. Where the vacancy does not result in the number of elected community councillors falling below the minimum number of permitted elected members, then this vacancy can be filled by holding a casual vacancy election or co-option subject to conditions.
Who can stand for election
To stand for election, you must:
- be 16 years of age or over
- live within the community council area
- be on the current electoral register for that community council area
Current elections
Casual vacancy – Loreburn Community Council
There is a casual vacancy for 11 community councillors on Loreburn Community Council.
If more than 11 valid nominations are received a ballot box election will take place on Thursday 1 October 2026. Voting will be in person only.
To stand for election, you must:
- be aged 16 or over
- live in the Loreburn area
- be registered to vote in local government elections
Nomination forms must be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 10 Septmber 2026.
Casual vacancy – Lochmaben Community Council
There is a casual vacancy for 7 community councillors on Lochmaben and District Community Council.
If more than 7 valid nominations are received a ballot box election will take place on Wednesday 23 September 2026. Voting will be in person only.
To stand for election, you must:
- be aged 16 or over
- live in the Lochmaben and district area
- be registered to vote in local government elections
Nomination forms must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 2 Septmber 2026.
Casual vacancy – Thornhill Community Council
This notice confirms that 3 candidates have been validly nominated for the Community Council. As the number of candidates did not exceed the available places, no election will be held and the candidate will take office at 8am on Wednesday 16 September 2026.
Casual vacancy – Dalton and Carrutherstown Community Council
This notice confirms that 3 candidates have been validly nominated for the Community Council. As the number of candidates did not exceed the available places, no election will be held and the candidate will take office at 8am on Wednesday 5 August 2026.
By-election called for Lochside and Woodlands Community Council
This notice confirms that 4 candidates have been validly nominated for the Community Council. As the number of candidates did not exceed the available places, no election will be held and the candidate will take office at 8am on Thursday 23 August 2026.
For further information, contact the Returning Officer, Darren Burns, at [email protected].
Casual vacancy – Stoneykirk Community Council
This notice confirms that 4 candidates have been validly nominated for the Community Council. As the number of candidates did not exceed the available places, no election will be held and the candidate will take office at 8am on Tuesday 14 July 2026.
Casual vacancy – Isle of Whithorn Community Council
This notice confirms that 1 candidate has been validly nominated for the Community Council. As the number of candidates did not exceed the available places, no election will be held and the candidate will take office at 8am on Thursday 17 July 2026,