Press Release
Central Ward By-Election Thursday 15 December
The Shetland Central Ward By-Election will take place this Thursday 15 December between 07.00 and 22.00. Residents of the Central Ward who are on the electoral register and have not applied to vote by post can vote in person on Thursday, they just have to go along to their local polling station.
Registered voters in Girlsta and Gott will be able to vote at Tingwall Hall. Voters in Scalloway will be using the Scalloway Public Hall and residents of Tronda and Burra will have the Burra Public Hall as their polling place.
When the polls close at 22.00, the votes will be securely stored overnight before the count begins at 09.30 on Friday 16 December in the Town Hall in Lerwick.
Details of the count process will be updated on the council website, www.shetland.gov.uk, as each stage of the count progresses. The final result is expected at approximately 11.30.
Returning Officer Jan Riise said:
“Traditionally, Shetland has a record of good turnout figures for elections. Although turnouts of 50 – 60 % are regularly recorded, some wards in Shetland have registered turnouts in excess of 70% in the past. It would be good to maintain this level of public involvement in local politics when choosing a new councillor for the Central Ward.
“I would encourage all voters, with particular emphasis on young first-time voters to use their vote on this occasion.
“In order to make the election process more open, this year members of the public will be able to watch the count live via video link from the Town Hall Chamber from 09.30 on Friday morning. This is the first time we have broadcast the count in this way and I would encourage anyone with an interest in local politics to come along and watch the conclusion of what is hoped to be an exciting by-election”.