Issue - meetings

By Councillor Lang - Use of Schools as Polling Places

“Council:

a)         recognises it’s statutory duty to facilitate elections and the importance of making it as easy as possible for people to vote.

b)         Understands the various criteria which exist for suitable polling places, including location, capacity and access requirements.

c)         expresses its thanks to Council Officers for arranging polling places for two unexpected city wide elections as well as one Council by?election in 2019.

Council nevertheless recognises the concern which exists on the ongoing use of schools as polling places and the subsequent disruption which can arise for teachers, pupils and parents from unscheduled day closures in order to facilitate elections.

Council therefore seeks a report to the Policy and Sustainability Committee within three cycles on the current use of schools as polling places as well as the opportunities to reduce or eliminate their use in time for the 2021 Scottish Parliament and 2022 local government elections.”