The local authority is carrying out a review of electoral districts and places and considering cuts to the current network.
Amongst the polling stations that could disappear are Ewes, Bentpath, Rigg, Tundergarth, Wamphray, Parkgate, Applegarth, Hightae, Kettleholm, Mouswald, Creca, Ae Village, Waterbeck and Tynron,
However, Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell and constituency MSP Oliver Mundell have written to the council to ‘strongly’ object to the detailed proposals and raise concerns that they have not been well publicised.
They write: “At the very least, this review should be postponed until a full consultation and proper engagement can take place with the individuals and communities affected.”
And the political pair argue that the proposals disrespect the needs of rural voters, adding: “The council should continue to provide polling places on need, not population. We suspect that this exercise is cost-driven and seen as an opportunity to reduce the number of polling staff employed at elections.”
