Community councils in West Lothian have called for the upcoming by-election in Livingston to be by all-postal ballot.
The poll planned for October 1 will determine who takes the seat held by veteran SNP councillor Peter Johnston for 35 years in Livingston South.
Mr Johnston retired in early April. He was one of four councillors- two SNP, one Labour and one Conservative - representing the ward.
Speaking on behalf of the Joint Forum of Community Councils Executive Committee, Donald Stavert, treasurer of Bathgate Community Council said: “Our view, given that we are in a crisis situation with Covid-19 and there is no way to know when it might be over or if we might be hit with a second wave, is that this by-election should be held as an all postal ballot to make it as safe as possible.
“This would obviate the need for polling stations to be open, and polling staff and voters having to visit said polling stations and use the equipment. It would be safer for all concerned not to have to do this.”
The forum suggested that the count could be live-streamed , with a minimum number of staff and observers.
Free mailing before the poll would also make for a safer election, the forum suggests.
However, the national Electoral Management Board which is overseeing 12 council elections in Scotland in October has counselled caution at a move to all postal ballots.
Responding to the forum’s request, the board said: “Detailed work is currently underway nationally so that in each of the 12 events the processes will be safe for voters, candidates, agents and the Returning Officer’s staff. This work is drawing up fresh procedures for taking nominations, polling, postal vote processing and the count.”
It added: “Risk Assessment takes account of the current phase in the Scottish Government’s lifting of lockdown under their route-map. There will also be input from Public Health Scotland and local Health and Safety advisers. If the Returning Officer decides that running the by-election would represent too large a risk to all involved, he is authorised to consult on a further postponement.”
A spokesperson for West Lothian’s Returning Officer said “Current legislation means it is not possible for the Livingston South by-election to take place by postal votes only. Voters can opt to vote in person, or by post or proxy.
“Voters can apply to vote by post or by proxy if they wish, and it is possible that more voters will register to vote in these ways in the by-election.”
