CHAPTER 3 OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SCOTTISH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS
3.1 Ballot papers
- Separate the regional and constituency ballot papers for the Scottish Parliamentary election
3.1.1 The Gould Report states that combining the Scottish Parliamentary ballot papers onto one sheet was primarily responsible for the high level of rejected ballot papers. Gould suggests that it would therefore be in the interest of the voter to revert back to separate regional and constituency ballot papers. The 2006 Arbuthnott Commission Report 14 examined extensively a number of issues surrounding the Scottish Parliamentary voting systems and ballot paper design. That report suggested the move to a single ballot paper, similar to the New Zealand design, in order to reflect more accurately the way mixed member systems work and to ensure there are no misconceptions or perceptions on the importance of one vote over the other. As Gould identifies, various design flaws on the Scottish Parliamentary ballot paper for the May 2007 elections contributed to confusion among some voters. 15 If control of the Scottish Parliamentary elections was devolved to Scotland, the Scottish Government would undertake further research into ballot paper design and ensure that any decisions are taken with the voter as the primary consideration.
- Ensure consistency of party names on the regional and Scottish Parliamentary ballot papers.
3.1.2 The Gould Report recommends that registered party names should appear first on the regional ballot paper in order for the ballot paper to be more consistent and more easily understood by voters. The party description could then be printed underneath the party name, preferably without using specific individual's names. The Scottish Government supports this recommendation and, should power over the Parliamentary elections be transferred to Scotland, would work to ensure that there is consistency across the regional and constituency ballot papers. The Scottish Government welcomes the Electoral Commission's proposals to produce a set of UK-wide standards on the accessibility, design and usability of ballot papers in this context.
3.1.3 The Scottish Government also recognises the body of evidence quoted in the report to suggest advantage is conferred on candidates who feature further up the list than others and would instigate further research into alternative approaches to ballot paper positioning.
3.2 The count
- No overnight counting for Scottish Parliamentary election
3.2.1 The Gould Report recommends that no overnight counting of the Parliamentary election should take place. The report states that accuracy should take precedence over speed and that election staff are more likely to make correct and consistent decisions if they are fresh.
3.2.2 Overnight counting for the Parliamentary contest is a well established tradition in this country, and brings drama and excitement to election night. Recognising this tradition, but acknowledging the concerns and arguments for change laid out by Gould, the Scottish Government would want to consult further on this recommendation.
3.2.3 Gould also makes recommendations on overnight counts for local elections and these are discussed at paragraph 4.9 below.
3.3 Electronic count and counting procedures
- No electronic counting for Scottish Parliamentary elections if decombined
3.3.1 The voting systems used for the Scottish Parliamentary elections do not necessitate the use of electronic counting. Therefore, the Scottish Government would be willing to support a move away from electronic counting for the Parliamentary elections should it be the desire of electoral administrators to do so. However, the Government also believes that e-counting could play an important role for Parliamentary elections in the future, and that this should be explored again if confidence in the necessary technology can be established.