MORAY VOTERS ARE being reminded that several ward boundary changes are to come into effect at the May local authority elections.
Around 167 households will be affected by the changes as they find themselves in different wards for the first time – although most will accept that the new arrangements are more logical in terms of their geography.
The bulk are accounted for by new homes created in Hamilton Gardens in Elgin, built on land that was previously part of the Heldon & Laich Ward – but from May residents there will be voting in the Elgin City North ward.
Smaller changes will be made between Wards 3 (Buckie) and 4 (Fochabers/Lhanbryde), 4 and 7 (Elgin City South) and 1 (Speyside Glenlivet) and 4.
The changes follow a review of ward boundaries across Scotland conducted by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland.
The Commission published recommendations for changes to councillor numbers and ward boundaries in May last year, following completion of its fifth periodic review of local government electoral arrangements.
The Boundary Commission is legally obliged to hold regular reviews of council wards and councillor numbers, to ensure these reflect changes in population.
A council spokesperson said: “When the Returning Officer issues poll cards next month to advise electors of their voting arrangements for May, these will show their new ward and polling place.
If electors are already registered they do not need to take any further action, the new boundaries will automatically come into effect in their area.
“For anyone who has recently moved to the area, registering online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote takes about five minutes and you will need their National Insurance number.
For a postal or proxy vote application forms and general information, residents can use the Electoral Registration Office website www.votemoray.org or telephone 01343 541203.”