West Lothian Council’s by-election to fill the Livingston South seat has been delayed by five weeks.
The poll to fill the seat vacated by former SNP councillor Peter Johnston had been scheduled to take place on October 1.
Graham Hope, the chief executive of West Lothian Council, told a meeting of the council’s executive committee last week that, on advice from the national election body, the poll will now take place on November 5.
Mr Hope told the meeting the decision had been taken following discussion with the Election Management Board .
The board co-ordinates council elections across Scotland.
The aim is to minimise the disruption caused by lockdown procedures on the election process.
The executive also agreed to substitute polling stations to minimise disruption to local schools.
Elections officer, Caroline Burton, explained that Harrysmuir Bowling Club had been chosen to replace Harrysmuir Primary, the Lanthorn Community Education Centre to replace Bankton Primary and Murieston Scout Hall to replace Williamston Primary.
There is no change to other polling stations at St Andrew’s Primary, Dedridge Primary and Livingston Village Primary, where voting can be held without disrupting the school day, or at Crofthead Farm Community Centre.
A report to committee added that the safety of everyone involved in the vote was a top priority.
It said: “The safety of the local community, voters, candidates, agents, and staff is a key aim in the planning for the delivery of the poll and all processes have been reviewed in light of current guidance.”
Earlier this month West Lothian’s Forum of Community Councils had suggested using an all-postal ballot.
