When are elections held?
Ordinary Elections happen every four years on a date chosen by Fife Council.
The vote is a secret ballot (your vote is private). These ordinary elections take place in line with Scottish Local Government Election rules, with any necessary simplifications made by the Returning Officer as outlined in the Community Council Election Rules.
How long is the term?
Elected community council members stay on the council until 23:59.59 the day before the next scheduled election.
If an elected community council member wants to stay on the council for another term, they cannot simply carry on. They must stand for re-election by filling out an official nomination form during the application period.
What if a community council isn't established?
To start the process of establishing a community council, Fife Council needs to receive a petition (a formal request) signed by at least 20 local people who are on the Electoral Register.
Information on how to do this can be found in Establishing a Community Council.
Finding out more
Current elections
Methil Community Council Interim election
Following receipt of a petition from 21 registered electors in the Methil community council area, the Returning Officer has now made arrangements to hold a poll to re-establish this community council.
17 Community Councillors are to be elected for the Methil Community Council.
Timetable
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
Thursday 13 August 2026 | |
Submission of nomination papers to the Returning Officer | From Friday 14 August 2026 onwards |
Deadline for the submission of nomination papers to the Returning Officer | 4pm on Monday 31 August 2026 |
Deadline for the withdrawal of nominations | 4pm on Monday 7 September 2026 |
Publication of Statement of Persons Nominated and Notice of Poll, if contested/Uncontested Election | As soon as possible after 4pm on Monday 7 September 2026 |
Day of Poll, if contested | Thursday 1 October 2026 |
How can I apply to be a Community Councillor?
Those wishing to stand as a candidate must be:
- Aged 16 years and over.
- A resident within the boundary of the Methil Council area.
- Named on the Electoral Register for the Methil Community Council area as at 13 August 2026.
If you are interested in standing as a candidate, read Guidance for candidates before completing Community Council Election - Nomination Form
Alternatively, a paper nomination paper can be obtained from the Electoral Services team, Fife Council, 2nd Floor, Fife House, North Street, Glenrothes, Fife, KY7 5LT by emailing ccelections@fife.gov.uk.
Completed paper nomination papers must be submitted by hand to the Returning Officer at Fife House, North Street, Glenrothes, KY7 5LT by no later than 4pm on Monday 31 August 2026.
Anyone wishing to withdraw their candidacy must complete the withdrawal form below and submit it to the Returning Officer by no later than 4pm on Monday 7 September 2026.
Close of Nominations
Following the close of nominations, the Statement of Persons nominated the community council will be published here.
A postal ballot will be held where the number of nominations exceeds the maximum membership.
More details regarding the issue of postal ballots will be available after the close of the withdrawal period.
Questions and Advice
If you require any further information on the election process, please contact the Electoral Services team by emailing CCelections@fife.gov.uk.
If you require any further information about community councils, please email community.councils@fife.gov.uk.
