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Neil Wilkinson spoke out after ferry services between Ardrossan and Arran were cancelled for five days in a row due to engine trouble.
While the service returned to normal on Wednesday, September 4, the Scottish Greens candidate has called for clarity on whether a vote will go ahead if further problems arise.
In response, North Ayrshire Council revealed contingency plans were in place in case of ferry problems – and said the Post Office had confirmed they would not be an issue with postal votes for island residents.
On Monday, a hustings event was held in Brodick, but only three of the six candidates were able to attend as some live off island.
At the hustings Mr Wilkinson – who has lived on Arran for 11 years – underlined the need for those living on Arran to be prioritised for ferry transport alongside his ferry compensation scheme.
He said North Ayrshire Council – who are running the election – will rely on transport to and from the island, including for staff and volunteers on the day of the election, and the following day for the count.
Post, including election documents, postal ballots, candidate materials and other parcels, could also be affected by the lack of ferry services to the mainland.
Mr Wilkinson said: “Farcical. How are those living on Arran supposed to trust that this election can be held fairly and effectively if those running it could struggle to get here?
“This ferry nightmare blights islanders like me every single day, and this is just the latest chaotic breakdown in what is lifeline transport to and from Arran.
“North Ayrshire Council must give urgent assurances to candidates and every islander that we will be allowed to elect our only councillor next week.
“What contingencies are in place, and how will we ensure that this vote is able to take place, with every islander able to cast their vote.”
He added: “Democracy matters, and having those living on Arran cannot go on not knowing whether they will be cut off from the rest of Scotland, from one day to the next.
“The time has come for real compensation for islanders, and for those living here to be prioritised on ferry services.
“We need a politician who will be the voice for our interests – and top of that list should be compensation for the hurt we have faced in recent years. If the people of Arran put their trust in me and elect me to North Ayrshire Council, I will be that voice.”
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We are very aware of the situation with the ferries and have contingency plans in place should there be any further disruption.
“We have been in regular contact with Royal Mail to check on the position of the postal votes which were despatched on Friday 30 August 2024.
“Royal Mail confirmed as at 4pm yesterday (Tuesday, September 3) all mail had been delivered to Arran. Royal Mail also confirmed all postal votes should be delivered by the end of today (Wednesday, September 4) with the exception of those who applied after Friday, August 23.
“Those issued after Friday, August 23 are manual issues which were posted on Monday, September 2 and should arrive by Friday, September 6.
“Plans are also in place to ensure that no completed postal vote packs placed in post boxes after the last pick up on Tuesday, September 10 leave the island. These will be taken to an agreed location on Arran.
“In addition, anyone who does not receive their postal vote can apply for a reissue up until 10pm on Thursday, these will be available for pick up at Arran High School by appointment.
“Ballot Boxes, stationery and eCount equipment are all being despatched to Arran earlier to allow for any issues with the ferries.
“Most of the staff recruited for this by-election live on Arran, however a small core team will be travelling to Arran in sufficient time to prepare for poll, postal votes and the eCount.
“Should there be an issue with the booked crossing, alternative contingencies are in place and Calmac are aware of what ferries the core election team are travelling on.
“Candidates and agents passes for the count and poll can be picked up from Cunninghame House until Tuesday 4pm and then from Arran High School from 2pm on Wednesday, September 11.
“We understand that the ferry has been repaired but will continue to monitor the situation as well as the weather.”
The candidates for the by-election are:
- Charles Currie, Scottish Labour Party
- James Andrew McMaster, Independent
- Mackenzie Smith, Scottish Conservative and Unionist
- Matt Taylor, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Carole Thomson, Reform UK
- Neil Alexander Wilkinson, Scottish Greens
Voting gets under way at 7am on Thursday, September 12, and polling places will remain open until 10pm.
The count, which is carried out electronically, will be held the following day on Friday, September 13.
