Edinburgh By-Elections 2026: Key Dates for Voters
Two Edinburgh by-elections will take place on Thursday, 3 September 2026, with voters in Southside/Newington and Portobello/Craigmillar choosing one new councillor in each ward.
The votes follow the resignations of Councillors Simita Kumar and Kate Campbell, who have moved on to new roles at Holyrood.
Which Edinburgh Wards Are Voting?
The two by-elections cover the Southside/Newington and Portobello/Craigmillar wards.
The current electorate is:
| Ward | Current Electorate |
|---|---|
| Southside/Newington | 24,304 |
| Portobello/Craigmillar | 27,347 |
Each ward will elect one new councillor to the City of Edinburgh Council.
Key By-Election Dates
| Date | What Happens |
| 15 July 2026 | Formal Notice of Election published |
| 16 July 2026 | Nominations open from 10am |
| 31 July 2026 | Nominations close at 4pm |
| 31 July 2026 | Candidates confirmed after nominations close |
| 18 August 2026 | Deadline to register to vote |
| 19 August 2026 | Deadline for new postal vote applications |
| 26 August 2026 | Deadline for new proxy vote applications |
| 3 September 2026 | Polling day, 7am to 10pm |
The council says nomination papers can be submitted to the Returning Officer at the City Chambers from 10am on 16 July until 4pm on 31 July.
What Time Are Polling Stations Open?
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, 3 September 2026.
Polling cards should confirm where eligible voters need to go. If you are voting in one of the two wards, check the details on your poll card rather than assuming your usual polling place is unchanged.
How Voting Works
The by-elections will use the Single Transferable Vote system, usually shortened to STV.
Instead of putting a cross beside a candidate, voters rank candidates in order of preference. You can rank as many or as few candidates as you want.
That means you mark your first choice with 1, your second choice with 2, and so on.
Registering, Postal Votes and Proxy Votes
The deadline to register to vote in these by-elections is 18 August 2026.
If you need a postal vote, the deadline for new postal vote applications is 19 August. For a new proxy vote, where someone votes on your behalf, the deadline is 26 August.
The council has urged residents in both wards to register and to apply for a postal or proxy vote if needed.
Why These By-Elections Are Happening
The by-elections are being held after the resignations of Councillors Simita Kumar and Kate Campbell.
Edinburgh’s Returning Officer, Paul Lawrence, thanked both former councillors for their service and said preparations would now begin to make sure residents can elect new representatives to the City Chambers.
Source
- By-elections to take place in September (Edinburgh.gov.uk)