Edinburgh schools used as polling stations during elections could be reduced by 28 per cent

The number of Edinburgh schools used as polling stations during elections could be reduced by 28 per cent, according to new proposals from council officers.

The plans come following a review of polling arrangements, which local authorities are required to undertake every five years, as well as a council motion seeking to cut the number of schools “disruptively” closing down on election days to function as polling stations.

If agreed to by the council, changes will be in place in time for the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections.

Under the proposals ten out of 35 schools currently registered as polling stations would no longer function as such.

Primary schools in Queensferry, Granton, Carrick Knowe, Pentland, Tollcross, St. Cuthbert’s, Morningside, Lorne, Holy Cross and Abbeyhill would be replaced by alternative venues.

Meanwhile, more than 20 schools will remain as polling stations because officials found no suitable alternative premises.

Council officers have emphasised that the focus of the new plans “as always is the provision of optimal polling facilities for voters, while recognising the tension around the potential disruption to education when schools are closed to allow polling.”

A month long public consultation on the proposals has now been launched by the council, with residents having until Monday August 10 to send feedback.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Lang said: “Last year dozens of schools were closed so they could be used as polling stations. In some parts of Edinburgh, schools were closed three times within just nine months because of different sets of elections.

“We all want to see voting made as easy as possible. However, we also need to think about the disruption that closures have, not just on pupils but also on working parents who need to take time off work or find alternative childcare arrangements.

“That is why this reduction of 28% is a very welcome step forward. However, I still question whether more could be done to reduce school use even more. In my own ward, schools will still be used in places like Cramond and Ratho Station when alternative options appear to exist. So whilst this is good news, more work is needed.”

Andrew Kerr, Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “We have carried out a review of polling places in the city to ensure voters can easily get to polling places, that they are accessible and that they have the appropriate capacity.

“This has taken into account feedback from recent elections and any changes in circumstances around existing buildings.

“We have proposed a number of changes to polling places in the city, and would like to hear residents’ views. I would encourage the public to take part in our online consultation, which runs until 10 August.”