For local elections after 1975 Aberlady was linked with Gullane and Dirleton and, until 1999, Drem and Athelstaneford. From 1975 to date, the ward always returned a Conservative councillor, currently Gilbert Meikle, to East Lothian Council.
Gullane Area Community Council, established in 1976, incorporated Aberlady, Dirleton, Drem and Gullane, with four councillors representing Aberlady ward. Local issues included the condition of the roads, planning applications, and housing developments, while allocations from the Local Priorities Fund are made to village groups and projects.