Published Tuesday, 01 February 2011
Islanders had been facing the prospect of travelling to Ballycastle to cast their votes in the forthcoming local government elections, following a proposal made as part of plans to reduce the number of polling stations across Northern Ireland.
"Having given due consideration to the objections and proposals received during the prescribed consultation period for the draft scheme, amendments as appropriate have duly been made," Chief Electoral Officer Graham Shields confirmed.
Rathlin voters had protested against such a move, with a petition drawn up by the island's Development and Community Association.
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy also wrote to Mr Shields to ask him to reconsider.
SDLP North Antrim MLA Declan O'Loan welcomed the decision to retain the ballot box.
"There are typically around 100 votes cast on Rathlin, but the original proposal to remove the ballot box on cost grounds failed to take account of realities of geography and weather," he said.
"Rathlin people should have the same democratic right as people elsewhere to cast their vote in person and should not be dependent on a sometimes uncertain ferry journey to Ballycastle to do so."
Sinn Féin councillor for Ballycastle, Cara McShane, also expressed relief at the news.
"This is great news for the people of Rathlin and to all who campaigned during this consultation proposal against the removal of the polling station from the island," she said.
"The Rathlin Development and Community Association and everyone on the island worked together to have their voices heard."