Voters won’t confuse purpose of polls... but may get weary

The general election will come just five weeks after the local government poll on May 4, making for two full months of active political campaigning for the support of Monklands voters.

Local leaders of both of the main political parties noted that voter fatigue may begin to set in among the electorate – but expressed confidence that residents will treat each election on its own merits and take the chance to determine the future shape of local services in next month’s council ballot.

Jim Logue, the council’s Labour leader who is standing in the Airdrie Central ward, said:“The contact I’ve had from residents highlights that the May 4 election is all about local issues and factors, and the feedback is that people seem to be happy with the services offered by the council and their local elected members.

“It’s not an opportunity for people to articulate their preference on constitutional issues or otherwise, and people understand that.

“There have been seven votes in the past three years and people could just weary of it.

“They expect to elect a council and a government and then for them to get on and deliver services. I can understand the issue of voter fatigue and people asking why they’ve got to go through all this again.”

The 2012 North Lanarkshire election saw a record-low turnout of just 37.7 per cent, and, regarding the busy electoral month ahead, Councillor Logue added: “I do think it’s possible that it could impact on turnout, but that would be most unfortunate – it’s critically important that people exercise their democratic right and give their opinion.”

SNP group leader David Stocks said: “Like many people, I was surprised that Theresa May called a general election – she always seemed to be someone who doesn’t take any chances.

“I think [local voters] may be saying, ‘Not another election’– but candidates and supporters will be getting last-minute messages across for the council election – and I don’t think the national announcement changes the picture a great deal.

“Activists will then be in for another five weeks of campaigning, but people are passionate and go out and do it.”