Scottish Parliament and the AV Referendum
Written evidence from West Lothian Council (AV 05)
At a meeting of West Lothian Council on 14th September 2009, the following motion was approved.
"West Lothian Council condemns the decision of the Tory/Lib Dem Government to hold a referendum on the AV voting system on the same day as the 2011 Scottish Parliament Election and agrees to write to West Lothian Members of Parliament advising them of the council view."
At a meeting of the West Lothian Council Executive on 28 September 2010 it was agreed to expand this to include the administrative challenges holding the referendum on the same day as the Scottish Parliament Election would cause.
These were identified as:
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A referendum on an Alternative Vote system for the UK Parliament held on the same day as the Scottish Parliamentary elections adds a number of challenges which will need to be addressed in planning for next May to ensure successful delivery of the elections. These include
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The Franchise – There would be different franchises so some voters will only be eligible for one. This raises issues on whether or not to use a combined poll card and combined registers in polling stations.
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Boundaries – normally a UK referendum would be counted on the basis of Westminster constituencies. We share a Westminster constituency with Falkirk Council. The Interim Election Management Board (IEMB) has written to the Secretary of State for Scotland requesting that Scottish Parliamentary boundaries be used if the referendum is to be held on 5 May 2011
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Timetables - The electoral timetable for the Scottish Parliamentary elections will be in the conduct order for the Election which is currently being drafted by the Scotland Office. The time table for the referendum has yet to be defined. If there is divergence on key dates, such as issue of poll cards/postal votes then this will present additional challenges
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Postal Votes – A combined issue could present challenges in relation to ballot pack numbering (not all postal voters would be eligible to vote in both), ballot pack size and complexity, and the potential for voters to not return all their ballot papers with the postal vote statement. A separate issue of postal votes could present challenges in the number of enquiries if voters do not receive both at the same time, and the time, space and staff space required to open postal votes and check twice as many postal vote identifiers.
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Staffing – Polling staff will need to deal with marking the register(s), Corresponding Number Lists, issuing three ballot papers and, potentially, increased queries from voters. Staffing numbers and training will need to take account of this. Staffing levels and the number of electors per polling station are likely to be similar to the joint elections in 2007. Consideration will also be given to the need for additional staff to undertake an "information officer" type role in polling stations.
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Ballot Boxes and Voting Booths – there will be a need for a large number of ballot boxes and, possibly, an increased number of voting booths
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The Count – Consideration will need to given to whether the counts are carried out consecutively or concurrently, bearing in mind that instructions on count timing may again be given in legislation; ensuring that the venue is large enough for requirements; the time that could be taken in checking AV Identifiers; and ensuring clear communication at the count.
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4 October 2010
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