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Public vote makes Miller; Ferguson; Clarkson, Gordon and Anderson Scotland's 5-a-Side Dream Team

The Scottish public has voted for its ideal five-a-side football ‘dream team’ and Caledonian 'supergroup' via a unique online poll. 

The poll, developed by VoteScotland, the politically neutral campaign to raise awareness of the forthcoming elections, asked people to choose their favourite SPL players and top Scottish pop and rock stars by using the same voting systems as those to be used in elections for the Scottish Parliament and Scotland's 32 Councils on 3 May.

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Over the course of the month long poll more than 3,000 votes were cast, figures from the campaign backed by the Scottish Executive and the Electoral Commission reveal today.

Visitors to the site were asked to vote for four players to join Scottish international and Hearts player Craig Gordon in goal. The four players to be selected were Russell Anderson (Aberdeen); Kenny Miller (Celtic); Barry Ferguson (Rangers) and David Clarkson (Motherwell). 

The footballers were voted for in order of preference (1, 2, 3, 4 and so on) from a list of players representing all 12 SPL clubs. This was based on the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system which will used in the local Council elections on 3 May.

People were also asked to cast two votes using an 'X' to create a 'supergroup' from leading Scottish rock and pop acts. This was based on the Additional Member System (AMS) which will be used in the Scottish Parliament elections on 3 May to elect MSPs.

A total of 11 band members were chosen, four of which were selected by people using the constituency vote, and the remaining seven made up from the regional vote. The top band members selected by constituency vote comprised of Charlie Burchill and Mel Gaynor of Simple Minds; Fran Healy from Travis, and Tommy Cunningham of the band Wet, Wet Wet.

The members picked by regional vote were Belle & Sebastian band members Stuart Murdoch, Stevie Jackson and Mick Cooke; Colin Newton of Idlewild; Alex Harvey of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band; Charlie Reid of the The Proclaimers, and singer KT Tunstall.

Commenting on the results of the online games, Andy O'Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, said: "Using interactive technology is a fun way to show how simple it is to vote in the Scottish Parliament and local government elections on 3 May. It is also a useful way of reaching younger voters, who can be under-represented in elections."

Other digital initiatives from VoteScotland include:

  • An interactive, virtual tour of an on-line polling place via www.votescotland.com which will take voters through every step in the voting process and provides a complete step by step guide to how to vote on polling day on 3 May.
  • An option to receive a text reminder to vote on May 3 by entering the keyword "VOTER" 61611 into a text message;
  • A dot mobile website where voters can access information about the elections on their mobile phones. This is the first time a WAP site has been used for an election campaign in the UK.

To find out more, call the free VoteScotland Helpline on 0800 0141 012 or visit: www.votescotland.com

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VoteScotland takes to the dance floor to show people how to cast their votes on 3rd May

A Strictly Come Dancing style event was staged on Friday 27th April to illustrate how people can cast their vote in the forthcoming Council elections on 3rd May.stv_news121.jpg

The dancing contest, organised by VoteScotland, a politically neutral campaign run by the Scottish Executive and the Electoral Commission, aimed to highlight how the new voting system for the Council elections works.

Spectators at the event held at the popular visitor attraction Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, were able to elect their favourite couples in the same way they would cast their vote for Councillors on 3rd May.

Six professional dancing couples, dressed in traditional costumes, took to the floor at Kelvingrove to perform Latin American, Cuban Salsa, Flamenco, Argentinean Tango, Leroc, and breakdancing moves.

The audience voted for the dancing couples in order of preference (1, 2, 3, 4 and so on) using the Single Transferable Vote system (STV).

They could vote for as many or as few contestants as they choose - as in the actual Council elections.

Voting was very close after six spectacular performances, however, three couples managed to nudge ahead to claim victory. The winning couples were:

  • Couple B (Cuban Salsa)
  • Couple C (break dancers)
  • Couple E (Leroc)

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Every household across Scotland to receive information on how to vote in elections on 3rd May

Every home in Scotland will receive information about voting in the elections on 3rd May as part of a massive maildrop starting on Monday, 16th April.stv_news111.jpg

More than 2.1 million leaflets will be distributed across Scotland by Royal Mail as part of the politically neutral VoteScotland campaign, backed by the Scottish Executive and the Electoral Commission.

VoteScotland's two-page leaflet aims to ensure people know how to cast their votes in the Scottish Parliament and local government elections on 3rd May as the electoral system is changing.

For the Council election, voters will number candidates in order of preference using the single transferable vote system (STV). For the Scottish Parliament election voters will need to use two Xs marking choices for constituency and region using the Additional member system (AMS).

Every member of the household is being urged to take time to read the leaflet, paying particular attention to the information about how to cast their vote as the ballot papers are different from previous elections.

Speaking on behalf of the VoteScotland campaign, Andy O'Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission's Scotland office, said: "The distribution of this leaflet is another step in our wide ranging campaign to ensure as many people as possible understand how to cast their votes on 3rd May.

"One of the leaflets will go through the letterbox of every single house in Scotland with the clear message that casting your vote is simple and only takes a few minutes."

Ian McKay, Royal Mail's Scottish Affairs Director, said: "Royal Mail is delighted to be delivering this voting message to every household in the country.

"Royal Mail delivers 8 million items of mail in Scotland every working day and our people have vast experience delivering this sort of service to their customers. We are happy to do our bit to ensure every household in Scotland is aware of the elections on 3rd May and able to cast their votes."

A key aim of the VoteScotland campaign is to inform people about the two voting systems being used in the elections on 3rd May.

To find out more, call the free VoteScotland Helpline on 0800 0141 012 or visit: www.votescotland.com

  • The VoteScotland roadshow is currently under way and will make 58 stops in total in the lead up to the elections, visiting town and city centres, colleges and universities and community groups.
  • On 3rd May 2007 there will be two elections in Scotland; one to elect MSPs to the Scottish Parliament, the other to elect councillors for Scotland's 32 councils.
  • Since last year, the VoteScotland campaign has involved working with community groups, organisations, small and medium sized enterprises, companies and charities across Scotland to inform people about how to register and explain how the different voting systems work.
  • To receive a text reminder to vote on 3rd May, enter the keyword "VOTER" into a text message and send to 61611 (costs at standard network rates).
  • A dot mobile website where voters can access information about the elections on their mobile phones has been launched – www.votescotland.mobi  This is the first time a WAP site has been used for an election campaign in the UK

Single Transferable Vote (STV) for local government elections:

A form of proportional representation (PR), STV asks voters to rank listed candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3, 4 and so on). You can vote for as few or as many candidates as you choose. With STV, if the voter's first choice of candidate does not require their vote – having already secured enough votes to be elected – that vote moves (transfers) to the voter’s second choice, and so it continues until the required number of candidates are elected. 

Additional Member System (AMS) for the Scottish Parliament elections

Under the AMS system, voters have two votes for the Scottish Parliament election - the first to elect seven regional members from a list of political parties or individual candidates and  the second to elect a constituency MSP. AMS is a proportional system combining the election of constituency candidates with a vote for a preferred party or independent candidate.

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Milk cartons carry voting message

13th April 2007

Branded milk cartons are being used as part of a major voting campaign to encourage people to make their voice heard on 3rd May.

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VoteScotland, a politically neutral campaign backed by the Scottish Executive and the Electoral Commission, has teamed up with dairy firm Mitchells in a move which will see milk cartons highlighting the May election date.

The Inverurie-based dairy will distribute around 60,000 branded milk cartons weekly to households, retail outlets and businesses across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire in the lead up to the elections.

The milk cartons will feature VoteScotland branding and contact details for people to find out how they can register and vote in the Scottish Parliament and the Council elections. It is the first time a Scottish elections campaign has been highlighted in this way.

Speaking on behalf of the VoteScotland campaign, Andy O’Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission’s Scotland office, said:

“Using branded milk cartons is a way of taking the VoteScotland’s message to people when they least expect it. 

“It’s a prominent reminder of the election date while they are going about their everyday lives, such as in the morning when having their breakfast or a cup of tea. This is an ideal prompt when we’re asking voters to circle 3rd May in their calendars.”  

Mitchells supplies milk to 600 different businesses and shops throughout the area, including major supermarkets along with 2,500 households.

Keith Whyte, General Manager at the family-owned Mitchells dairy, said: “We were delighted to add our support to the VoteScotland campaign and encourage everyone to make sure they use their vote on 3rd May.

“This is the first time we have highlighted a public information campaign on our milk cartons and I hope it will go some way in reminding people to play their part on this important day.”

A key aim of the VoteScotland campaign is to inform people about the two voting systems being used in the elections on 3rd May. For the Council elections, voters will rank candidates in order of preference using numbers – the single transferable vote system (STV). 

For Scottish Parliamentary elections, voters will use an X to mark choices for constituency and region.

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VoteScotland hits the road

26th March 2007

The VoteScotland truck is rolling out, touring the length and breadth of Scotland. The road show features interactive information displays, staff on hand to deal with your questions and a chance to get specialist help and advice.stv_news92.jpg

To further supplement this, two smaller Chrysler Voyagers will help reach more remote highland and VoteScotland staff will also be in shopping centres across Scotland ready to answer your questions.

On the truck you will be able to register to vote and there are even games on board showing how Scotland's voting systems work. You can vote footballers into a 5-a-side dream team or musicians into a Scottish super group. Register your mobile number for text updates of how your dream teams perform by texting  'election' to 61611.

The road show will be at the following locations:

Truck

  • Monday 26 March, Edinburgh Victoria Quay
  • Thursday 29 March, Sleat Skye Gaelic College
  • Saturday 31 March, Inverness TESCO
  • Monday 2 April, Fraserburgh  TESCO
  • Tuesday 3 April, Aberdeen Castlegate
  • Thursday 5 April, Dundee City Square
  • Friday 6 April, Perth TESCO EXTRA
  • Saturday 7 April, Falkirk Central Retail Pk/Grahamston Rd
  • Tuesday 10 April, Paisley County Square
  • Wednesday 11 April, Clydebank Clyde Shopping Centre
  • Thursday 12 April, Kilmarnock Kilmarnock Town Centre
  • Friday 13 April, Ayr Burns Statue Square
  • Saturday 14 April, Dumfries High St (Market area)
  • Monday 16 April, Kelso Town Hall
  • Tuesday 17 April, Livingston Almondvale SC
  • Wednesday 18 April, Penicuik TESCO
  • Thursday 19 April, Haddington Town Centre
  • Friday 20 April, Edinburgh Napier University
  • Saturday 21 April, Edinburgh TESCO Corstorphine Extra
  • Monday 23 April, Glenrothes Adam Smith College - Stenton campus, Glenrothes
  • Tuesday 24 April, Hamilton Hamilton Town
  • Wednesday 25 April, Glasgow St Enoch Square
  • Thursday 26 April, Glasgow Strathclyde University
  • Friday 27 April, Glasgow Glasgow Mosque
  • Saturday 28 April, Helensburgh Town Centre (Pier Head)
  • Monday 30 April, Stirling Stirling Corn Exchange
  • Tuesday 1 May Edinburgh Castle Street
  • Wednesday 2 May Glasgow Buchanan Street

Vote Car 1

  • Thursday 29 March, City of Edinburgh Edinburgh Queen Margaret
  • Friday 30 March, Perth & Kinross  Perth Perth College
  • Saturday 31 March, Argyll & Bute Dunoon Argyll Gdns, Dunoon
  • Sunday 1 April, City of Edinburgh Edinburgh Mill Lane Sikh Temple
  • Monday 16 April, Shetland Lerwick Shetland College
  • Tuesday 17 April, Orkney Kirkwall Orkney College
  • Thursday 19 April, Highland Thurso North Highland College
  • Friday 20 April, Moray Elgin Moray College
  • Sunday 22 April, City of Dundee Dundee Chinese Christian Fellowship
  • Monday 23 April, City of Dundee Dundee Abertay University
  • Tuesday 24 April, Angus Arbroath Angus College
  • Wednesday 25 April, Fife Dunfermline Lauder College
  • Thursday 26 April, Clackmannan Alloa Forth Valley College
  • Saturday 28 April, City of Aberdeen Aberdeen Polish Aberdeen
  • Monday 30 April, Aberdeenshire Peterhead Drummers Corner
  • Wednesday 2 May, City of Aberdeen Aberdeen  Castlegate

Vote Car 2

  • Monday 9 April, North Ayrshire Largs Sea Front esplanande
  • Tuesday 10 April, East Renfrewshire Barrhead TESCO
  • Wednesday 11 April, South Lanarkshire  East Kilbride Kingsgate
  • Thursday 12 April, East Dun'shire Kirkintilloch TESCO
  • Saturday 14 April, North Lanarkshire Cumbernauld Cumb. Centre TESCO Carpark
  • Monday 16 April, Stirling Stirling Stirling University
  • Tuesday 17 April, South Lanarkshire East Kilbride South Lan College
  • Thursday 19 April, Western Isles Stornoway Stornoway College
  • Saturday 21 April, Fife Kirkcaldy Town Sq (Wemyssfield)
  • Tuesday 24 April, North Lanarkshire Motherwell Motherwell College
  • Wednesday 25 April, City of Glasgow Glasgow Caledonian University
  • Thursday 26 April, Inverclyde Greenock James Watt University
  • Friday 27 April, Renfrewshire Paisley Paisley University
  • Sunday 29 April, City of Glasgow Glasgow Sikh Temple Glasgow
  • Tuesday 1 May, South Ayrshire Ayr Ayr College
  • Wednesday 2 May, Dumfries & Galloway Stranraer St Johns Castle

Shopping Centres

  • Saturday 24 March, Edinburgh, St James Centre
  • Sunday 25 March, Edinburgh, Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre
  • Monday 26 March, Edinburgh, Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre
  • Tuesday 27 March, Livingston, McArthurglen Designer Outlet Village
  • Wednesday 28 March, Livingston, McArthurglen Designer Outlet Village
  • Thursday 29 March, Edinburgh, Gyle Shopping Centre
  • Friday 30 March, Kirkcaldy, Mercat Shopping Centre
  • Saturday 31 March, Glenrothes, Kingdom Centre
  • Sunday 01 April, Glenrothes, Kingdom Centre
  • Monday 02 April, Livingstone, Almondvale Centre
  • Tuesday 03 April, Perth, St John's Shopping Centre
  • Wednesday 04 April, Stirling, Thistles
  • Thursday 05 April, Stirling, Thistles
  • Friday 06 April, Dundee, Overgate
  • Saturday 07 April, Dundee, Overgate
  • Sunday 08 April, Glasgow, Parkhead Forge
  • Monday 09 April, Glasgow, St Enoch Centre
  • Tuesday 10 April, Glasgow, Braehead Shopping Centre
  • Wednesday 11 April, Glasgow, Braehead Shopping Centre
  • Thursday 12 April, Clydebank, Clyde Shopping Centre
  • Friday 13 April, Clydebank, Clyde Shopping Centre
  • Saturday 14 April, Irvine, Rivergate Centre
  • Sunday 15 April, Irvine, Rivergate Centre
  • Monday 16 April, Greenock, Oak Mall Shopping Centre
  • Tuesday 17 April, Paisley, Paisley Centre
  • Wednesday 18 April, Hamilton, Regent Shopping Centre
  • Thursday 19 April, Hamilton, Regent Shopping Centre
  • Friday 20 April, Falkirk, Callender Square
  • Sunday 22 April, Aberdeen, The Mall (Trinity)
  • Monday 23 April, Aberdeen, The Mall (Trinity)
  • Tuesday 24 April, Inverness, Eastgate Centre
  • Wednesday 25 April, Inverness, Eastgate Centre

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VoteScotland goes virtual in bid to attract voters on 3rd May

16 March, 2007

Online polls where people can cast votes to create a Scotland ‘super pop group’ and the ideal football five-a side team are being used to explain voting systems ahead of May’s local government and Scottish Parliamentary elections.

The digital games have been developed as part of VoteScotland, a politically neutral campaign by the Scottish Executive and the Electoral Commission to raise awareness of the local government and Scottish Parliamentary elections on 3rd May.

It is hoped the games available at www.votescotland.com, along with other digital initiatives being introduced, will in particular, help engage young people in voting.

The first digital game asks players to cast two votes to create a Caledonian ‘super pop group’ from the country’s leading acts such as KT Tunstall and Belle and Sebastian.  The game is based on the Additional Member System (AMS) which will be used in the Scottish Parliament elections.

A second interactive game asks voters to select footballers, in order of preference, from a list of top SPL players representing all 12 clubs in order to create a Scottish football five-a-side ‘dream team’. This is based on the Single Transferable Vote (STV), the voting system being used in Council elections.

Other digital initiatives include:

  • An option to receive a text reminder to vote on 3rd May by entering the keyword “VOTER” 61611 into a text message. (Costs at standard network rates)
  • A dot mobile website where voters can access information about the elections on their mobile phones. This is the first time a WAP site has been used for an election campaign in the UK
  • An interactive, virtual tour of an online polling station via www.votescotland.com  This takes voters through every step in the voting process and provides a complete step by step guide on how to vote on polling day on Thursday 3rd May

Andy O’Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, said: “Using interactive technology such as these digital games allows us to get across important information about the elections in a fun and engaging way. It is also a useful way of reaching the younger audience who tend to be under-represented in national elections.

“Recent Electoral Commission research shows young people can sometimes feel intimidated by polling stations, especially those who are voting for the first time. Initiatives such as the interactive polling station walk through will hopefully go some way to addressing that.  

“Although these interactive elements aim to engage the electorate in a simple and entertaining manner, they will also serve as a strong educational tool to spread information about the electoral systems people will be using for real on the third of May.’’ 

James Alexander, President of NUS Scotland, also backed the VoteScotland initiative. He said: "While less likely to vote than other groups of the population, students and young people are far from apathetic. They care passionately about many issues, but have not been actively engaged in mainstream politics and the democratic process.

"For the first time we have a campaign that recognises this and is relevant to this group. It is a much-needed step to increasing awareness and involvement, and lets young people know that their vote counts."

For more information on the Scottish Elections 2007 call the VoteScotland Helpline on 0800 0141 012 or visit: www.votescotland.com

Notes to Editors

1.   On 3 May 2007 there will be two elections in Scotland; one to elect MSPs to the Scottish Parliament, the other to elect Councillors for Scotland’s 32 councils.

2.   Electoral registration forms are available from local electoral registration offices. and also from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

3.   Two voting systems will be used in the elections on 3rd May: the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system of proportional representation will be used for the first time to elect local Councillors, while MSPs will again be elected to Holyrood using the Additional Member System (AMS).

Single Transferable Vote (STV) for council elections:

A form of proportional representation (PR), STV asks voters to rank listed candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3, 4 and so on). You can vote for as few or as many candidates as you choose.  With STV, if the voter’s first choice of candidate does not require their vote – having already secured enough votes to be elected or is eliminated as a result of having the least number of votes – that vote moves (transfers) to the voter’s second choice, and so it continues until the required number of candidates are elected. 

Additional Member System (AMS) for the Scottish Parliament elections:

Under the AMS system, voters have two votes for the Scottish Parliament election - the first to elect seven regional members from a list of political parties or individual candidates and  the second to elect a constituency MSP. AMS is a proportional system combining the election of constituency candidates with a vote for a preferred party or independent candidate.

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Two months to go until the elections

03 March, 2007

stv_news71.jpgA public information campaign to encourage people to vote in the Scottish Parliament and local government elections on 3rd May was officially launched today in Scotland's six cities.

First time voters delivered the message in Inverness, while the campaign was kicked off at Pittodrie by Aberdeen FC players.

Students got behind the initiative in Edinburgh and Stirling, while in Glasgow members of the Asian community urged others to play their part by voting, and senior citizens added their voices in Dundee.

The politically neutral campaign has been organised by the Scottish Executive and Electoral Commission. It includes newspaper, television and radio ads and outdoor billboards.

stv_news81.jpgAndy O'Neill, head of the Electoral Commission's Scotland office, said:

"Politics affects our everyday lives and the things we care about, such as our family, the area we live in and the environment.

"There are only two months to go until the elections, and it's important to make sure you're registered to vote by 18 April and take the chance to have your say on things that matter to you."

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Scotland PLC pledges support for VoteScotland

02 March, 2007

Scotland’s leading business organisations have pledged their support for the national VoteScotland campaign - the politically neutral voter information drive - ahead of May’s Scottish Parliament and local council elections.

The Federation of Small Businesses (Scotland), the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Scottish Council for Development & Industry and the Institute of Directors (Scotland) are all backing the national campaign from the Scottish Executive and the Electoral Commission by urging members and employees to ensure they’re registered to vote before the April 18 deadline - and then to do so come polling day on 3rd May.

Their support follows the widespread endorsement VoteScotland has received from across the private sector, with the likes of the Royal Bank of Scotland, FirstGroup, and BP all getting behind the campaign.

Each of the business bodies has agreed to assist the VoteScotland drive by distributing campaign materials to their employees and membership networks. This will include a communications toolkit as well as information on everything from voting registration to a guide on the electoral systems that will be used to elect MSPs to Holyrood and councillors to Scotland’s 32 local Councils. Campaign promotional materials such as posters and leaflets will also be circulated for use across the supporting organisations.

For May’s elections, the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system of proportional representation will be used for the first time to elect local councillors, while MSPs will again be elected to Holyrood using the Additional Members System (AMS).

Lending his support to the VoteScotland campaign Andrew Watson, spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses Scotland, said: “Given that the Scottish Parliament is having a growing influence on all aspects of public life in Scotland, it is important that those representing small businesses and their employees, make sure they are registered to vote and cast their vote when it comes to the elections on 3rd May.

“Small businesses make up over 98 per cent of all business in Scotland and employ more than half of the country’s workers, so it’s important those voices are not lost in the hullabaloo of this year's elections and that they make their vote matter in May."

David Watt, Director of the Institute of Directors in Scotland, also backed VoteScotland. He said: "The IoD and all of the business community in Scotland would urge everyone across the country who is eligible to vote to take advantage of their democratic right this May and have their say on who should govern Scotland and take the country forward into the future."

Speaking on behalf of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, the organisation’s policy manager Garry Clark said: “The Scottish Chambers of Commerce fully support the VoteScotland campaign. This year’s Scottish Parliament and local council elections will have a profound effect on the direction in which Scotland is driven over the next four years.

"We would therefore like to see as many people as possible take a stake in our future and use their vote on election day."

The campaign also received the endorsement of the Scottish Council for Development & Industry, whose general manager Iain McTaggart said: "The SCDI and its membership network wholeheartedly backs theVoteScotland campaign and its attempts to encourage the people of Scotland to use their vote in the forthcoming elections.

"By voting, people have a say in where Scotland is heading in future years, and on that basis, for the good of the nation and its future prosperity, we’ll be encouraging our members to make sure they’re registered to vote and make that vote matter on 3rd May."

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Chinese Scots back VoteScotland campaign

19 February, 2007

Chinese Scots have kicked off their New Year celebrations by making a resolution to go to the polls on 3 May, 2007.

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They are supporting VoteScotland, a politically neutral campaign run by the Scottish Executive and the Electoral Commission, which aims to inform and motivate the public ahead of the elections.

VoteScotland is reminding everyone across the country that the final deadline to register to vote in the Scottish Parliamentary and local government elections is 18 April. Registration forms have been translated into 10 different languages, including Chinese, Polish and French.

The Chinese community is one of the largest minority ethnic groups in Scotland, with an estimated 16,000 Chinese people living across the country, largely in cities including, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The 15-day Chinese New Year celebrations, to mark the Year of the Pig, got under way yesterday (Sunday, February 18) with community groups, including Glasgow's Chinese Community Development Partnership, the Edinburgh Chinese School, and the Aberdeen Chinese Association, giving their support to the VoteScotland campaign.

VoteScotland is engaging people through working with community groups, organisations, small and medium sized enterprises, companies and charities across Scotland to inform people about how to register and vote and how the different voting systems work.

In addition to certain minority ethnic groups, the campaign is particularly targeting young people, students, home-movers and people living in rented accommodation, which research has indicated are less likely to register to vote.

Annie Mead, Chairperson of the Chinese Community Development Partnership, said: "Voting on 3 May gives the Chinese community in Scotland the opportunity to ensure that their issues and opinions are taken into account.

"As we celebrate Chinese New Year, I would encourage members of the Chinese community to exercise their right to vote in order to bring about the change that they would like to see."

Andy O'Neill, Head of The Electoral Commission's Scotland office, added: "It's really important the Chinese community, like everyone else living in Scotland, have their say on issues which matter to them by voting on 3 May.

"If someone is not sure whether they're on the register, they can check with their electoral registration officer who can send a registration form with a freepost envelope if necessary. Alternatively they can click onto Link opens in new windowwww.aboutmyvote.org.uk for a downloadable version."

The new registration leaflets produced by the Electoral Commission explain how people can register to vote in the May elections have been produced in 10 different languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Gujurati, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Gaelic and Polish. They are also being made available in large print, Braille and audio.

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Scotland rugby squad gets behind VoteScotland

09 February, 2007

SCOTLAND'S international rugby squad has thrown its weight behind the national 'VoteScotland' campaign to inform people across the country about the Scottish Parliamentary and local government elections on 3 May.

rugbyTaking time out from their preparations on the eve of the crunch Six Nations clash with Wales at Murrayfield, squad members squad members Ross Ford, Gavin Kerr, Scott Murray, Simon Taylor, Allister Hogg and Andrew Henderson urged all eligible voters throughout Scotland to make sure they are registered by 18 April so they can vote come polling day this May.

Scotland's most capped forward, Scott Murray, said: "It's our country. It’s your country. Make sure your voice is heard."

On 3 May there will be two elections in Scotland – one to elect MSPs to the Scottish Parliament, the other to choose councillors for Scotland’s 32 local authorities. 'VoteScotland' is a joint campaign from the Scottish Executive and the Electoral Commission aimed at raising awareness of, and encouraging participation in, these elections.

As part of the campaign, a new website has been launched, www.votescotland.com, which has information on how to register, how to vote and how the different voting systems work.

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100 Days to go before May elections

24 January, 2007

Polish people in Scotland are being urged not to miss the bus on voting in the elections with 100 days to go to 3 May, 2007.

VoteScotland, a politically neutral campaign run by the Scottish Executive and the Electoral Commission, is reminding citizens of other EU member states resident in Scotland that they are entitled to vote in both the Scottish Parliament and local government elections.

However, many EU citizens, such as the 'New Scots' from Eastern Europe, may not realise they must register first to vote. The final deadline for registration in time for this year's elections is 18 April.

Registration forms have been translated into 10 different languages, including Polish, French and Chinese.

First Group, the UK's largest bus operator, which employs more than 1,000 drivers from other EU member countries, is supporting the VoteScotland campaign.

Bus driver Lukasz Matlak, 24, who recently moved to Glasgow, said: "I'm looking forward to being able to use my vote for the first time on May 3 – having a say by voting is an important part of living in a place like Scotland."

VoteScotland aims to inform and motivate the public ahead of the May elections. It is directly engaging with people through working with community groups, organisations, small and medium sized enterprises, companies and charities across Scotland to inform people about how to register and vote and how the different voting systems work.

Alex Shearer, First’s Executive Director in Glasgow, said: "We welcome the efforts being made by the Scottish Executive and the Electoral Commission.

"We see this initiative as a positive step in meeting our own ongoing objective to fully integrate our EU employees into Scottish society by giving them the opportunity to have a real say on what matters to them."

In addition to certain ethnic minority groups, VoteScotland will also target young people, students, home-movers and people living in rented accommodation, which research has indicated are less likely to register to vote.

The new leaflets which explain how people can register to vote in the May elections have been produced in 10 different languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Gujurati, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Gaelic and Polish. They are also being made available in large print, Braille and audio.

Andy O’Neill, Head of The Electoral Commission’s Scotland office, said: "It’s important that everyone who is eligible to vote on 3 May is registered so they can have a say on issues which matter to them.

"If people aren’t sure they’re on the register, they can check with their electoral registration officer who can send them a registration form with a freepost envelope if necessary. Alternatively they can click onto Link opens in new windowwww.aboutmyvote.org.uk for a downloadable version.

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SPOLECZNOSC POLSKA PRZYGOTOWUJE SIE DO WZIECIA UDZIALU W WYBORACH 3 MAJA 2007

24 January, 2007

Polacy mieszkajacy w Szkocji sa ponaglani, aby nie stracic okazji glosowania w wyborach 3 maja 2007 roku.

VoteScotland to politycznie neutralna kampania prowadzona przez Wladze Wykonawcza Szkocji (Scottish Executive) i Komisje Wyborcza (Electoral Commision), której zadaniem jest przypominanie obywatelom innych krajów Unii Europejskiej zamieszkujacych w Szkocji, ze maja oni prawo wziac udzial w wyborach do Parlamentu Szkocji oraz w lokalnych wyborach.

Jednak wielu obywateli Unii Europejskiej, jak tzw. „Nowi Szkoci” z Europy Wschodniej, moze nie zdawac sobie sprawy z obowiazku rejestracji przed wyborami. Ostateczny termin na zarejestrowanie sie przed tegorocznymi wyborami uplywa 18 kwietnia.

Formularze rejestracyjne zostaly przetlumaczone na 10 róznych jezyków obcych, takich jak jezyk polski, francuski czy chinski.

First Group, najwieksza firma autobusowa w Wielkiej Brytanii zatrudniajaca ponad 1000 kierowców z innych krajów Unii Europejskiej, wspiera kampanie VoteScotland.

Lukasz Matlak, 24-letni kierowca autobusu, który niedawno zamieszkal w Glasgow, powiedzial: – Czekam z niecierpliwoscia na wziecie udzialu po raz pierwszy w wyborach 3 maja. Wyrazenie wlasnej opinii poprzez glosowanie stanowi wazny element zycia w miejscu takim jak Szkocja.

Celem VoteScotland jest informowanie i motywowanie spoleczenstwa przed majowymi wyborami. Organizacja ta nawiazuje bezposredni kontakt z ludzmi poprzez wspólprace z grupami spolecznosci, róznymi organizacjami, malymi i duzymi przedsiebiorstwami, firmami oraz organizacjami charytatywnymi na terenie Szkocji w celu informowania jak sie rejestrowac i glosowac oraz na czym polegaja rózne systemy glosowania.

Alex Shear, naczelny dyrektor firmy First Group z Glasgow, powiedzial: – Starania Wladzy Wykonawczej Szkocji i Komisji Wyborczej przyjmowane sa przez nas bardzo pozytywnie.

Inicjatywa ta jest przez nas postrzegana jako pozytywny krok w kierunku integracji pracowników z Unii Europejskiej ze szkockim spoleczenstwem poprzez umozliwienie im wypowiedzenia sie na tematy, które maja dla nich znaczenie.

Oprócz pewnych mniejszosci etnicznych, VoteScotland skieruje sie równiez do mlodych ludzi, studentów, osób, które niedawno zmienily miejsce zamieszkania oraz osób wynajmujacych mieszkanie, gdyz, jak wynika z badan, istnieje mniejsze prawdopodobienstwo, aby te grupy spoleczne zarejestrowaly sie przed wyborami.

Nowe ulotki wyjasniajace jak sie zarejestrowac przed wyborami zostaly wydrukowane w dziesieciu jezykach: arabskim, bengalskim, chinskim, francuskim, gudzarackim, urdu, pendzabskim, celtyckim i polskim. Ulotki beda tez dostepne w duzym druku, alfabecie Breille’a oraz w wersji nagranej.

Andy O’Neill, dyrektor szkockiego biura Komisji Wyborczej, powiedzial: – Waznym jest, aby wszystkie osoby majace prawo wziac udzial w glosowaniu 3 maja zarejestrowaly sie, aby móc wypowiedziec sie w waznych dla nich kwestiach.

Osoby, które nie sa pewne, czy ich nazwiska znajduja sie w rejestrze, moga skontaktowac sie z jednym z pracowników rejestru przedwyborczego, który, jesli zajdzie taka potrzeba, przesle formularz rejestracyjny wraz z oplacona z góry koperta zwrotna.

Formularz rejestracyjny mozna tez uzyskac w wersji elektronicznej na stronie Link opens in new windowwww.aboutmyvote.org.uk.

W wyborach 3 maja zastosowane zostana dwa rodzaje glosowania:

  • Pojedynczy glos przenoszony (STV) stosowany podczas lokalnych wyborów.

    Jest to rodzaj reprezentacji proporcjonalnej (PR). Od glosujacych wymaga sie okreslenia danych kandydatów wedlug preferencji (1, 2, 3, 4 i tak dalej). W systemie tym mozna glosowac na dowolna liczbe kandydatów. STV polega na tym, ze jesli kandydat bedacy pierwszym wyborem glosujacego nie wymaga dalszych glosów, poniewaz zdobyl juz wystarczajaca ich ilosc, aby zostac wybranym, glos zostaje przeniesiony na kandydata, który jest drugim wyborem glosujacego, itd. dopóki wymagana ilosc kandydatów nie zostanie wybrana.
  • System dodatkowego posla (AMS) stosowany podczas wyborów do Szkockiego Parlamentu.

    System ten polega na tym, iz kazdy glosujacy w wyborach do Szkockiego Parlamentu posiada dwa glosy. Pierwszy z tych glosów przypada na wybór posla do Szkockiego Parlamentu z danego okregu wyborczego, drugi natomiast na wybór siedmiu lokalnych kandydatów z listy partii politycznych lub kandydatów niezaleznych. ASM to system proporcjonalny, wiazacy glosowanie na kandydatów z okregów wyborczych z glosowaniem na dana partie polityczna.

Dodatkowych informacji uzyskac mozna pod numerem infolinii VoteScotland 0131 225 0215 oraz na stronie internetowej Link opens in new windowwww.votescotland.com.

Koniec

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Scottish political party leaders mark four-month countdown to 3rd May elections

03 January, 2007

Scotland's political party leaders joined forces today to mark the four-month countdown to the Scottish Parliamentary and local government elections on 3rd May.

stv_news41.jpgPutting political differences aside, Scottish Parliament party leaders from Scottish Labour, the Scottish Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party, the Scottish Conservatives, the Scottish Green Party, the Scottish Socialist Party, the Scottish Senior Citizens Unity Party and Solidarity, united to call on people across Scotland to make sure they are registered to vote and use their vote in four months time.

The event was organised by VoteScotland, a politically neutral public information campaign from the Scottish Executive and Electoral Commission to inform and motivate the public ahead of the May elections.

Party leaders said today: “New Year is a time for making resolutions and we hope the people of Scotland make a resolution to vote in this year’s Scottish Parliamentary and local government elections on 3rd May.“

Speaking on behalf of the joint VoteScotland campaign, Andy O’Neill, Head of The Electoral Commission’s Scotland office, said: “We know that most people are really interested in the issues that the Scottish Parliament and Local Government control – from public transport to education and local parks.

“To have your say on these kinds of issues, you need to use your vote on 3rd May.”

The campaign includes an interactive website www.votescotland.com with information on how to register and vote, the different voting systems, why voting matters, and aims to engage under-registered voters and those less likely to vote, including young people, some ethnic minority communities and recent homemovers.

The VoteScotland campaign will also directly engage with people through work with community groups, organisations, companies and charities across Scotland in a creative public information drive.

To find out more, call the VoteScotland Helpline on 0131 225 0215 or visit: www.votescotland.com

Notes to Editors

1. Further photography available from the BIG partnership. Contact Arvind Salwan on 0141 333 9585 or 07788 144127 or Arvind@bigpartnership.co.uk

2. On 3rd May 2007 there will be two elections in Scotland; one to elect MSPs to the Scottish Parliament, the other to elect councillors for Scotland’s 32 councils.

3. The May elections will be combined. Voters will be given ballot papers for the Scottish Parliament and the Local Government elections

4. For the local government elections, a new proportional based electoral system known as Single Transferable Vote (STV) will be used for the first time to elect councillors; while the Scottish Parliament elections will again use the Additional Members System (AMS).

5. The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Its mission is to foster public confidence and participation by promoting integrity, involvement and effectiveness in the democratic process

6. Established in 1999, The Scottish Executive is the devolved government for Scotland responsible for most of the issues of day-to-day concern to the people of Scotland, including health, education, justice, rural affairs, and transport.

7. The Scottish Executive has introduced a number of initiatives through the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004, one of which is the introduction of the STV voting system for local government elections.

8. If you have not yet registered to vote, you can download a registration form from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk The final deadline for returning forms is 18th April 2007.

Single Transferable Vote (STV) for local government elections:

A form of proportional representation (PR), STV asks voters to rank listed candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3, 4 and so on). You can vote for as few or as many candidates as you choose. With STV, if the voter’s first choice of candidate does not require their vote – having already secured enough votes to be elected – that vote moves (transfers) to the voter’s second choice, and so it continues until the required number of candidates are elected.

Additional Member System (AMS) for the Scottish Parliament elections:

Under the AMS system, voters have two votes for the Scottish Parliament election - the first to elect seven regional members from a list of political parties or individual candidates and  the second to elect a constituency MSP. AMS is a proportional system combining the election of constituency candidates with a vote for a preferred party or independent candidate.

For more information on the Scotland Parliamentary and local government elections, registration and voting systems log on to www.VoteScotland.com

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Make sure of your vote

01 December, 2006

Scots voters were today called on to play their part in the Scottish Parliamentary and local government elections on 3rd May 2007.

A registration drive got under way to encourage people to register to vote in order to have the chance to influence what matters to them.

It is part of the VoteScotland campaign, a joint public information programme by the Electoral Commission and the Scottish Executive, which aims to encourage people to register, to explain the voting systems and to inspire and motivate them to vote on 3rd May.

Between September and November of this year, every home in Scotland will have received a registration form in the post which should have been completed by a member of the household and returned.

However, for those not already registered it is not too late. Householders can complete and return their forms before the final whistle on 18th April, 2007. To register, contact the local electoral registration office or visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk to download a registration form.

Andy O’Neill, Head of Office, The Electoral Commission Scotland, said: "Unless you are registered to vote, you will lose your right to have your say at the ballot box on 3rd May.

"I would urge everyone who is eligible to vote to join 'Team Scotland' by ensuring they are registered to vote."

Among a cross section of eligible voters was Colin Lee, 41, from Glasgow, who said: "The elections next May are important for ethnic minority people to have a say on what kind of Scotland they want to see for the future. I’ll be making sure I cast my vote next May."

Scotland goes to the polls on 3rd May, 2007 to elect MSPs and councillors in combined elections for the Scottish Parliament and local government.

  • For the first time, the single transferable vote (STV) will be used for local government elections. Voters will be asked to mark numbers (1, 2, 3, 4 and so on) against the candidates' names in order of choice. You can vote for as few or as many as you like. This will introduce new multi-member wards with either three or four councilors.
  • The Scottish Parliament elections will involve a mix of first past the post and party list through the Additional Members System (AMS). This requires the voter to mark a cross (X) in the box next to the constituency candidate of their choice and a cross (X) in the box next to the party list or individual candidate of their choice in the regional list.

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Executive seeks views on format of ballot paper

01 December, 2006

The Executive is seeking the views of Holyrood's Local Government Committee on the format of the ballot paper for the council elections.

The elections on 3rd May 2007 will be the first held using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system and will therefore need a new format of ballot paper.

Given the range of views on this issue, the Executive will abide by the decision taken by the Committee. The two options for the ballot paper are:

  • Grouping candidates by party in alphabetical order
  • Listing by candidate in alphabetical order

The Executive is seeking a clear view from the Committee by 12th December to allow a draft order reflecting their decision to be laid before the Scottish Parliament shortly afterwards.

In a letter to Committee convener Bristow Muldoon, Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform Tom McCabe said: "There is one outstanding issue, the format of the ballot paper, which I would be grateful if the Committee could consider before it looks at the rules for the local government election as a whole.

"I am aware that there are a range of different views on this matter and I would like to invite the Committee to consider the two main options for the ballot paper before the draft rules are laid before Parliament."

The local government elections on 3rd May will be the first in Scotland held under the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system of proportional representation.

Elections to the Scottish Parliament are being held on the same day under the Additional Member System (AMS) which has its separate ballot paper.

The proposed timetable is:

  • Response from Local Government Committee by 12th December
  • Draft order laid reflecting the Committee's views shortly afterwards, most likely on 13th December
  • Rules to be considered by the Subordinate Legislation Committee on 19th December
  • Rules come before the Local Government and Transport Committee on 16th January and 23rd
  • Parliament considers the rules on 25th January

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One page ballot paper for Parliamentary elections

22 November, 2006

A colour-coded single page ballot paper will be used in the Scottish Parliament elections next May, the Scotland Office has announced.

The new version will replace two separate ballot papers used in previous elections.

The left-hand side of the ballot page will contain the list of parties standing for elections as regional MSPs; the right-hand side will contain the list of candidates standing as constituency MSPs.

Each list will be a different colour so voters know when they mark their cross which type of MSP they are voting for.

Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said:

“By introducing a single ballot paper for the May elections, we are making things easier for voters to mark their papers for the Parliamentary elections. They will be able to see the importance of both their votes - regional and constituency. Results will be quicker because we are making good use of the e-counting system to scan a single paper instead of two papers. I am doing this with the backing of the majority of those who responded to our consultation in August about this change.

“I am pleased that this helps to take forward Sir John Arbuthnott’s recommendations for improving the voting arrangements for the Scottish Parliament.”

Scotland Office Ministers have also decided to implement reforms contained in the Electoral Administration Act 2006. For example voters will sign for their ballot paper and have the right to check if their postal vote has been received. Ministers regard these as an important contribution to the anti-fraud safeguards introduced by the 2006 Act.

However, Ministers have recognised that not all the measures in the Act can be introduced effectively in Scotland in time for May 2007 and have decided to delay their introduction until after the elections. These include the collection and use of personal identifiers for postal and proxy voters.

Ministers will continue to work closely with colleagues in the Scottish Executive on arrangements for the elections.

Notes for Editors

1. The Scotland Office issued a consultation on moving to a single ballot paper on the 9th June for response by 4th August. 32 responses were received. The overwhelming view of those responding was there should be a single ballot paper. Responses to the consultation are available on the Scotland Office website.

2. A single ballot paper, combining the regional and constituency parts of the Parliament election, was recommended in the Report of the Arbuthnott Commission on Boundary Differences and Voting Systems, published in January 2006.

3. The Electoral Administration Act received Royal Assent in July 2006. It aims to improve access and engagement in the democratic process and raise confidence in the professional delivery of elections. Returning Officers will be required to review polling places regularly to ensure they provide good access to all voters and will have new powers to promote elections. New elections offences are being introduced to provide stronger deterrent against electoral fraud. Performance standards are to be introduced to promote best practice in the administration of elections. These along with a number of other improvements will be under way in time for the May 2007 elections. Similar measures are being introduced for the May 2007 National Assembly elections in Wales and for the local government elections taking place in certain parts of England and Wales.

4. Planning for the May elections is well under way, led by a joint Elections 2007 steering group and a series of specialist sub-groups. The main group includes representatives of electoral administrators, the Electoral Commission, the Scottish Parliament, COSLA, the Scotland Office and the Scottish Executive.

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3 May, 2007 - six-month countdown begins until Scotland goes to the polls

3 November, 2006

A new campaign has been launched today (3 November) to inform people throughout Scotland about the Scottish Parliamentary and local government elections on 3 May, 2007 - exactly six months to the day – and to inspire them to make their vote count.

stv_news3.jpgThe Electoral Commission and the Scottish Executive have joined forces to develop the VoteScotland campaign to encourage people to register, to explain the voting systems and to inspire and motivate them to vote in the elections next May. A key focus of the campaign will be to educate people about the new voting system.

As part of the campaign, a new website has been launched www.votescotland.com which has information on how to register, how to vote and how the different voting systems work. The website will be regularly updated as the campaign develops.

The campaign is aimed at all eligible voters and, in particular, will target under-registered voters and those less likely to vote, including young people, people from some ethnic minority communities and people who have moved house.

VoteScotland will also directly engage with people through work with community groups, organisations, companies and charities across Scotland in a creative public information drive. The VoteScotland brand and information will be visible in every area of Scotland as the campaign develops.

A high-impact and motivational advertising campaign will be launched in the run-up to the election date using television, newspapers, mailings and outdoor posters to drive home the VoteScotland message.

Scotland goes to the polls on 3 May, 2007 to elect MSPs and councillors in simultaneous elections for the Scottish Parliament and local government.

  • For the first time, the single transferable vote (STV) will be used for local government elections. Voters will be asked to mark numbers (1, 2, 3, 4 and so on) against the candidates' names in order of preference. This will introduce new multi-member wards with either three or four councillors
  • The Scottish Parliament elections will involve a mix of first past the post and party list through the Additional Members System (AMS). This requires the voter to mark a cross (X) in the box next to the constituency candidate of their choice and a cross (X) in the box next to the party list or individual candidate of their choice in the regional list.

Andy O’Neill, Head of Office, The Electoral Commission Scotland said:

stv_news21.jpg“Politics affects all aspects of our everyday lives, whether at home, at work or at leisure and our campaign aims to reflect this.

“Voting is a chance to have your say on the things that matter to you and we hope VoteScotland will resonate with people all over Scotland. We are calling on people to register now, and to make their vote count in six months time, on 3 May 2007.”

At the last Scottish Parliamentary and local government elections, the turnout was 49% - 10% lower than the previous elections in 1999. Forty-two per cent of eligible 18-24 year olds voted in 2003 and the campaign aims to inspire this group to vote in the next elections.

Bill Martin, 60, said:

“It has always been important to me to use my vote as it has direct relevance to me and my local community. I strongly believe it is everyone’s civic duty to vote. As a patriotic Scot, I am proud to say I have voted on every occasion since 1964 and next year will be no exception.”

Student Jenny Smith, 19, added:

“Next year’s elections will be the first time I will be able to vote. I have already registered to vote, which was easy to do, and I have circled 3 May, 2007 in my diary.

“There are lots of good reasons to vote in next year’s elections. Most importantly, for me, is the chance to make my voice heard on the issues that I think are important. For the first time in my life, my vote will matter and I find that really exciting.”

Between August and November, registration forms are delivered to all households in Scotland. The form should be completed by a member of the household and returned as soon as possible. If you haven’t received a form or have recently moved house, contact your local electoral registration office.

You can add your name to the Register throughout the year and the final deadline is 18 April 2007. However, you are urged not to wait until the last minute and register sooner rather than later.

To find out more, call the VoteScotland Helpline on 0131 225 0215 or visit: www.votescotland.com

For copies of campaign images and branding contact Kim Munro, The BIG Partnership, 0141 333 9585.

Notes for Editors

On 3 May, 2007 there will be two elections in Scotland; one to elect MSPs to the Scottish Parliament, the other to elect councillors for Scotland’s 32 councils.

  • Next May’s elections will run simultaneously. Voters will be given ballot papers for the Scottish Parliament and the Local Government elections
  • VoteScotland is a collaborative campaign between The Scottish Executive and The Electoral Commission which aims to raise awareness of, and encourage participation in, next year’s elections.
  • The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Its mission is to foster public confidence and participation by promoting integrity, involvement and effectiveness in the democratic process
  • Established in 1999, The Scottish Executive is the devolved government for Scotland responsible for most of the issues of day-to-day concern to the people of Scotland, including health, education, justice, rural affairs, and transport.
  • The Scottish Executive has introduced a number of initiatives through the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004, one of which is the introduction of the STV voting system for local government elections.
  • For the local government elections, a new proportional based electoral system known as Single Transferable Vote (STV) will be used for the first time to elect councillors; while the Scottish Parliament elections will again use the Additional Members System (AMS).
  • The annual canvass runs from September to November during which UK householders are asked to supply their details for the Electoral Register. Registration forms should be completed and returned as soon as possible. Contact your local registration officer if you require a registration form. The final deadline for returning forms is 18 April 2007.

Single Transferable Vote (STV) for local government elections:

A form of proportional representation (PR), STV asks voters to rank listed candidates in order of preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd 4th and so on). You can vote for as few or as many candidates as you choose. With STV, if the voter’s first choice of candidate does not require their vote – having already secured enough votes to be elected – that vote moves (transfers) to the voter’s second choice, and so it continues until the required number of candidates are elected.

Additional Member System (AMS) for the Scottish Parliament elections

Under the AMS system, voters have two votes for the Scottish Parliament election - the first to elect seven regional members from a list of political parties or individual candidates and  the second to elect a constituency MSP. AMS is a proportional system combining the election of constituency candidates with a vote for a preferred party or independent candidate.

For more information on Scotland’s elections, registration and voting systems log on to www.VoteScotland.com

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Launch of Scotland: poll position

22 September, 2006

The Electoral Commission has launched Scotland Poll Position, a research study which looks at attitudes towards the Scottish Parliament, local government and knowledge of electoral systems. The study considers what might motivate people to vote in the forthcoming 2007 elections and their understanding of the voting systems to be used on 3 May 2007 at the Scottish Parliament and local government elections.

The study shows positive attitudes to devolution and the role of the Scottish Parliament. Scots see the Scottish Parliament as trusted and accessible. At the same time people incorrectly assume that it has limited power to make final decisions.

The research also highlights positive attitudes to local government with councils seen to be ‘a core part of the community’.

Findings from the study will be used to inform the development of educational awareness activities in the run up to the 2007 Scottish elections.

Download the report below.

Link opens in new windowScotland - poll position: research report 2006 (PDF 3,297KB)

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Promoting local government awareness

20 September, 2006

A new initiative to encourage a broader range of people to participate in local government was announced today.

Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform, Tom McCabe, and his deputy George Lyon, said Ministers wanted to promote the important role councillors play in developing their communities.

It is also part of a wider drive to persuade traditionally underrepresented groups to put themselves forward as potential future councillors.

The initiative includes a new website www.votescotland.com which offers information on standing for election as a local councillor as well as highlighting the positive aspects of working to improve peoples' lives in local communities.

At present, the average age of a Scottish councillor is 55 and only 22 per cent are female.

Forty-three per cent of councillors work in the private sector and only one per cent of local government representatives hail from minority ethnic communities.

Mr McCabe said:

"All of us rely on the vital local services councils deliver every single day. And councillors play a crucial role in representing their local communities and ensuring people receive the top-quality public services they expect and deserve.

"We have launched a wide range of initiatives to renew local democracy and underline the important role councillors play, including a salary package and a severance scheme to recognise the contribution of long-standing councillors. I hope this will help attract a wider range of people to consider standing as councillors - we need to ensure all areas of the public sector, including councils, are more representative of the people they serve."

Mr Lyon added: "This campaign will underline the important role councillors play in local communities. We want to encourage more young people, women and members of the minority ethnic and business community to stand as councillors. We need people from under-represented groups to play their part in local democracy."

Ministers were joined at the launch at the National Museums of Scotland by representatives from targeted groups including Gemma McIlwane from Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People, David Watt, Executive Director of the Institute of Directors Scotland and Ali Jarvis, Interim Director of the Commission for Racial Equality Scotland.

The Executive has introduced a number of initiatives through the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004.

The new salary, pension and severance package proposals follows a review of councillors' allowances by the Scottish Local Authorities Remuneration Committee (SLARC) earlier this year.

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Website goes live

13 September, 2006

The Vote Scotland website went live on Wednesday 13th September 2006.

The site aims to provide information on the forthcoming elections on 3rd May 2007, explain the voting systems and encourage people to register.

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