Dear Members of the Highland Council,

 We, the undersigned residents of the Highlands, believe that local government should truly reflect the priorities and voices of the people it serves. To achieve this, we are calling on Highland Council to pilot Direct Democracy at a local level, allowing residents to vote directly on key community policies, projects, and budgets.

 Direct Democracy empowers citizens to actively shape the decisions that affect their lives. By piloting this approach, Highland Council can:

- Put residents at the centre of decision-making, ensuring policies reflect real community priorities.

- Increase transparency and trust, showing that local government listens to and acts on the people’s voice.

- Encourage civic engagement, with residents taking a direct role in shaping the Highlands’ future.

- Test secure, accessible digital platforms, positioning the Highlands as a leader in modern governance.

 We propose that the pilot be implemented in a specific ward, community, or set of local projects, allowing measurable results that could inform wider adoption across the Highlands.

 Communities across the world have successfully implemented citizen-led initiatives and digital voting platforms, proving that residents want—and can handle—the responsibility of shaping their own future. The Highlands can be at the forefront of this movement, demonstrating that democracy works best when the people are directly involved.

 We call on the Council to take this bold step, pilot Direct Democracy, and prove that the Highlands is a region that leads, innovates, and listens to its people.

We, the undersigned, urge Highland Council to take action now.