Electoral Reform Consultation Analysis

7. Conclusions

Many individuals and stakeholders with expert knowledge took part in the consultation, sharing their views on potential changes to Scotland's electoral law. Reflecting their experience and perspectives, this report provides a high-level summary of the consultation responses. For more detail, readers are encouraged to look to individual responses (where permission was given) in the published responses for Electoral reform consultation - Scottish Government - Citizen Space.

Marked differences were evident between the views of organisations and individuals. Organisations supported most of the suggested changes, and individuals and organisations both agreed on the need to tighten rules around campaign financing, the option to show ward of residence on ballot papers, disqualification for abusive behaviour, and providing greater clarity about the offence of undue influence.

However, on many proposals, individuals favoured no changes being made to existing processes or legislation. This included opposition to extending candidacy rights to 16- and 17-year-olds and foreign nationals with limited rights to remain, extending voting rights to people seeking asylum in Scotland and persons detained on mental health grounds related to criminal justice, and extending freepost mailings to local government candidates.

Respondents suggested a variety of ways to increase registration and improve the accessibility of the voting experience. These included public awareness campaigns targeting under-represented audiences and enabling polling stations to have a range of devices and support available for people with disabilities, though a majority favoured continuing to require a specific form of TVD. There were comments both for and against the use of voter ID, with many respondents acknowledging the potential for confusion if different arrangements exist between Scotland and the rest of the UK.

While individuals supported moves to extend the right to emergency proxies, a range of broader concerns about undue influence and perceptions of potential abuse were expressed about companions, proxy voting and postal voting. There was a clear desire to ensure existing and appropriate safeguards remain in place for those voting methods.

There was widespread opposition from individuals to the proposals to allow the postponement of Scottish Parliament elections and Local Government elections. Respondents expressed disapproval of elections being rescheduled other than in the most exceptional circumstances and noted concerns that such powers could be open to abuse.

Overall, the key message was that while some reforms to electoral law were welcomed, especially by those organisations involved in administering elections, they should be made with careful consideration. The insight from this analysis of responses will help to inform the development and implementation of any proposals that proceed.