There's been a lot of talk recently about whether it was a good idea to have the islands run by a Council consisting entirely of older males…and some effort has been put into encouraging women to return to the key roles they used to play in local government here over previous decades. 

Now the actual chance is approaching and while the election is not until May, planning is already underway to help voters stay safe while casting your vote. 

The Scottish Local Government Elections for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are taking place on Thursday 5 May 2022 to elect 29 Councillors in 11 wards.

And as CnES points out: "Local councillors are responsible for making decisions on your behalf about local services."

There are a number of ways to have your say in the election in May - you can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.

The Electoral Registration Officer for Western Isles has sent a letter to all households in the Western Isles area in advance of the elections, to let them know who is registered to vote and who has a postal vote. 

Look out for your letter in a brown envelope addressed to the Occupier(s) in the coming days.  This letter is important and will give your household further information on how to register to vote, if you are not already registered or how to apply for a postal or proxy vote.

Bill Gillies, Electoral Registration Officer for Western Isles, said: “We’re thinking about these elections now so that, however you choose to cast your vote in May, you can do so safely.

"Polling Stations will be open and following all public health advice.  In the current circumstances, particularly the COVID pandemic, you may be thinking perhaps about voting by post?

“If you’re thinking about voting by post, you can apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly. It’s easy to apply and further information can be found on our website www.saa.gov.uk/h-wi-vjb”.

“You need to be registered to vote in order to have a say at the election if you are not already registered – the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

"And remember, it doesn’t matter where you were born, if you are aged 16 and over and are resident in Scotland, you are now eligible to register and vote at Local Government elections.”

Residents can visit the Scottish Local Government elections page on our website at www.saa.gov.uk/h-wi-vjb to find out more about these elections. The page will be updated with new information as it becomes available.

Any residents who have questions can also contact the electoral registration team on 0800 393 783 or by e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.