Scottish Government

Chris Martin, Lorraine Murray, Steve Treanor and Vanessa Chan, Ipsos MORI Scotland

ISBN 978 1 78045 118 3 (Web only publication)
DPPAS 11445

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This report is accompanied by a Research Findings

CONTENTS

Executive Summary
Introduction and Methods
Results

1 Introduction
The policy background
Aims and objectives

2 Methods
Sampling and recruitment for the first round of testing
Sampling and recruitment for the second and third rounds of testing
The mock ballot papers
Cognitive interviewing
Limitations of the testing and interpretation of findings

3 Main Findings From The First Round Of Testing
Awareness and understanding of the electoral system for Local Government elections
Rejected ballot papers
Problems with ballot papers which would be accepted
The ballot paper design
Instructions on the ballot paper
Ordering of candidates
Inclusion of candidate addresses
Voting boxes
Position of the party name
Instructions to voters in polling booths
Participants who had English as an Additional Language
Literacy Learners

4 Conclusions From First Round Of Testing And Changes Made To Ballot Paper
Features of the draft ballot paper which should be retained
Amendments made for the second round of testing

5 Main Findings From The Second And Third Rounds Of Testing
Second round of testing
Findings from the second round of testing
Third round of testing
Findings from the third round of testing

6 Final Conclusions And Recommendations
Recommended ballot paper design
Other recommendations

Appendix A Versions of the ballot paper used in testing
Appendix B Topic Guide used in interviews
Appendix C Electoral Commission Guidance on doubtful ballots
Appendix D Polling Booth Notice used in testing
Appendix E Recommended design for the 2012 ballot paper

The views expressed in this report are those of the researcher and
do not necessarily represent those of the Department or Scottish Ministers.