New hope for community council elections

SHETLAND Islands Council hopes to harness the enthusiasm of local voters displayed at last week’s independence referendum when 84.4 per cent turned out to cast their vote.

On Thursday, the council called on islanders to support local democracy by getting involved in the forthcoming community council elections.

All 162 seats on Shetland’s 18 community councils are up for election in November, and nominations have to be in by 4pm on Tuesday 7 October. 

Past community council elections have tended to generate very little interest due to the limited powers they have, and some seats subsequently remained uncontested.

Council convener Malcolm Bell urged anyone with an interest in local democracy to get involved.

“We saw an unprecedented level of democratic engagement on 18 September, with a record-breaking 84.4 per cent turnout for the referendum. 

“Community councils are an integral part of the democratic process and I would like to challenge communities to try and ensure we fill every seat.

“Democracy is a powerful force at all levels.  The nomination process for community councils is very easy, and if you are on the electoral roll for your community council area then you are eligible for election to it,” he said.

It is no longer a requirement to have a proposer and seconder.  

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the SIC’s elections webpage at www.shetland.gov.uk/about_elections/   

Alternatively the returning offer can be contacted via e-mail returning.officer@shetland.gov.uk or by phoning 01595 744066.