Council considers postal votes only for isles

Folk from the North and South Isles are to be asked for their views on having only postal and proxy votes in next year’s local authority elections.

Community councils in the isles have been invited to take part in a consultation on proposals to conduct future elections without polling stations in the isles. Now the wider public have the opportunity to contribute their opinions as well.

The idea has been prompted by the increasing popularity of postal voting, as well as the council’s need to make savings under Tough Times-Tough Choices.

The cost of running elections is particularly high in the isles, with pilot boats needed to deliver ballot boxes to the count in Kirkwall. If next year’s elections take place without polling stations in the isles, it would mean a saving of around £4,500 for Orkney Islands Council.

Consultation forms are available at www.orkney.gov.uk, OIC customer services, on ferries and at a number of locations in the isles.

The consultation run until October 31.