News / 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.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.