John Carson declares himself a candidate for Council by-election

We had the opportunity to meet with John Carson today who has just declared his intention to stand in the forthcoming council by-election as an Independent candidate.

The council by-election has been triggered by the resignation of Cllr David Beckett who is leaving the country to study at Harvard University in America.

We asked John why he was standing in the by-election.

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To register to vote or apply for a postal vote people should contact The Electoral Registration Office on 0131 344 2500 or visit www.lothian-vjb.gov.uk

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. Due to the date of the by-election, some polling places have changed as many buildings are booked as Fringe venues. Others have been relocated from schools to avoid disruption in the first week of term. Voters should check their polling cards to find out where to vote.

The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system where voters can rank candidates in order of preference rather than using a single cross. Voters can give a rank to as many or as few candidates as they like.

The results of the by-election will be announced on Friday 19 August.

Polling Places

• Lauriston Halls, Sacred Heart Church, 28 Lauriston Street,
• Lothian Chambers, 59-63 George !V Bridge (relocated from Augustine United Church)
• Waverley Court, Council headquarters, 4 East Market Street (relocated from Royal Mile Primary school and Panmure St Anne’s)
• London Road Church Hall, 1A Easter Road (relocated from Abbeyhill Primary school)
• Walpole Hall, St Mary’s Cathedral, Chester Street
• St Stephen’s Centre, 105 St Stephen Street
• St Paul’s and St George’s Church,10 Broughton Street (relocated from St Mary’s RC Primary school)
• The Apex Hotel, 90 Haymarket Terrace

For further information visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/elections