Online Voting First For Community Council Elections

It has yet to catch on in national elections, but for the first time, local people taking part in this year's Edinburgh Community Council elections can cast a vote from the comfort of their armchair at home.

Voting begain over a secure website on 9th October for Craigmillar, Liberton & District and Portobello Community Councils. The voting period continues until 8pm on 24 October. Nominations are also currently being sought for new members of the Gilmerton/Inch Community Council.

All voters on the electoral roll in the three areas can vote over the internet, or the traditional way in person at a polling place on the 24 October, or via postal vote.

"We hope that by offering flexible ways to vote that it will attract even more interest in these elections," says Councillor Maureen Child, Convener of the Communities and Neighbourhood Committee.

The first councils were established in Edinburgh in 1980 in Merchiston and Longstone, and more than 500 people are now members across the city.

They each receive a grant to cover running costs and training is available for the members. They are represented on each of the city's 12 Neighbourhood Partnerships and work alongside elected members, representatives from NHS Lothian, Police Scotland, the voluntary sector and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

"Community Councils are an ideal way to support communities to thrive, to allow people from all backgrounds to meet and share ideas and to make change happen," says Cllr Child.

"They are a fantastic way of making public sector agencies aware of the needs of local areas, and can really help to make changes for the better."

Edinburgh's Community Councils

* There is no community council for Edinburgh Southside & Northfield/Willowbrae Community Council has been discontinued due to insufficient nominations.

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