Westmeath County Council announces closing date for candidates hoping to run in local elections

Those hoping to contest the upcoming local election in Westmeath will have until noon on Saturday, May 18, to submit their nominations.

Westmeath County Council's Returning Officer, Pat Murtagh, posted its notice of election this week, ahead of the vote on June 7.

Nomination papers for candidates can be obtained from the council's offices, and candidates can either nominate themselves or be proposed, with their consent, by a registered voter in the local electoral area where the candidate intends to stand.

A nomination paper from a candidate of a registered political party must have a certificate of political affiliation attached, which must be produced with his or her completed nomination paper.

Non-party candidates must either submit forms with 15 signatures from voters registered in the relevant local electoral area, or else pay a deposit of €100.

The latest time for receiving nominations is 12 noon on May 18.

Completed nomination papers may be delivered to Mr Murtagh in person by the candidate, or by his or her proposer, during office hours from 10am on May 17 until 12 noon on May 18.

Mr Murtagh added that he was required by law to attend to receive nominations between 10am and 12 noon and between 2pm and 5pm on May 17, and between 10am and 12 noon on May 18.

"I will attend at the Executive Lounge, Old County Buildings, Mount Street, Mullingar on the dates outlined above," he stated.

Voting in the local elections will take place between 7am and 10pm on Friday, June 7.