Published Friday, 15 October 2010
The Electoral Office is currently consulting on the future locations of the region's polling stations and has proposed sending Rathlin islanders to Ballycastle to cast their votes.
Over 20 people have already signed the petition drawn up by the Rathlin Development and Community Association and made available in the island's shop.
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has also written to the Chief Electoral Officer to ask him to reconsider.
"I believe that the proposed removal of the polling station on Rathlin is contrary to the Executive-agreed Rathlin Island Policy," Mr Murphy said.
"One of the strategic aims of the Rathlin Island Policy is to enhance community involvement and I consider that asking the electorate to either travel to Ballycastle to vote or to apply for a postal vote does not encourage such involvement and would further serve to isolate the community."
The Sinn Féin representative will meet with the islanders on Saturday to discuss the issue during a visit to Rathlin. He will be joined by the Republic's Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey.
Graham Shields, who succeeds Douglas Bain as Chief Electoral Officer, said: "While I am confident that the proposals outlined in the consultation paper will help us provide an improved service, it is important that politicians and electors have their say."
If the proposals are implemented, the number of polling stations across Northern Ireland would be reduced from 1512 to 1415.
The consultation period, during which the public can raise any concerns about the plans, will run until 23 December.