Item 14 Posters Amendment

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Argyll and Bute Council, 24th April 2025
Agenda Item 14 – Notice of Motion, Political Campaign Posters – Amendment 
The use of the election poster is a Scottish tradition and a visible and vibrant display of our national
democratic values.
Ensuring that people who want to vote know when and how to do so, and that they have choices, is
at the very heart of democracy. In a rural area like Argyll and Bute, reaching electors inevitably
requires a broad approach which does not solely rely on digital options. 
Election posters and banners play a key role in voter turnout, particularly in remote, rural and island
communities. These items are in place for only a limited period and there is existing legislation and
specific guidelines around their use, including how long they may remain in place, height limitations
to avoid impact on others, restrictions on location and strict timescales for removal by political
parties and independent candidates following the election.  
Local authorities across the country have, in fact, been encouraged by a number of other agencies on
various occasions to continue to allow the use of posters to enhance the democratic process by
helping to raise awareness at election time and encouraging voter participation.  
Accordingly this Council:
1. Recognises that in a rural area like Argyll and Bute, the Scottish tradition of election posters
and banners remains an invaluable resource in terms of raising the profile of elections and promoting
turnout.
2. Notes that there is legislation and clear guidance in place during election periods which is
issued to candidates, agents and any others who wish to display posters and banners on any street-
side council infrastructure, designed to minimise impact while fulfilling their key function;  
3. Agrees to continue with the existing policy and arrangements in relation to the display of
election posters and banners; 
4. Welcomes the fact that Argyll and Bute remains an area where display of election posters as
a visible way of raising awareness of elections and encouraging voter participation is unrestricted. 
Proposer: Cllr Jim Lynch
Seconder: Cllr Fiona Howard