Local by-elections

Nomination pack and briefings 

• Document

  Candidate nomination forms (DOCX, 135.01KB)

Candidate nomination forms can be downloaded from the link above or by contacting the Elections Office.

Completed nomination papers must be delivered by hand to: 

Returning Officer
Elections Office
Council Headquarters
English Street
Dumfries
DG1 2DD

Only by prior appointment between the hours of 10am and 4pm on any working day (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays) after the publication of the Notice of Election dated 3 October 2025 but no later than 4pm on Monday 20 October 2025.

• Prior to lodging papers Candidates and Agents should email [email protected] or contact 01387 260039 to arrange an appointment.
• Before the original documents are officially lodged by hand with the Returning Officer, candidates can scan and email their forms to [email protected]  for an informal check

Access to Elected Office Fund

Inclusion Scotland run an Access to Elected Office Fund Scotland that provides financial assistance to disabled candidates standing for election to help with the extra costs they may incur as a result of their disability.

For more information about applying for a grant from the Access to Elected Office Fund Scotland see:

Inclusion Scotland

The Improvement Service

The Improvement Service has created a website for prospective candidates (Opens in new window) which provides a wealth of information about the role of a councillor, including what councillors do and what’s expected of a councillor. There are also videos and short stories of councillors from across Scotland detailing why they became a councillor, the difference they make and their advice if you are thinking of standing.