![]() In 2020 the Scottish Government, along with the UK and Welsh Governments, delivered a reform of the annual canvass. As part of the Canvass, EROs contact all residential addresses in their area to help establish if the information they hold on the electoral register is complete and accurate. The purpose for the canvass is to maintain an up-to-date Register of Electors and ensure that all individuals in a household who are eligible to vote are registered to do so. The Annual Canvass is the process of gathering information on potential additions and changes to, and deletions from, the register. While the Electoral Commission's report found that registration levels were not significantly different from previous years, the Scottish Government is keen to grow registration, particularly among under-registered groups such as younger people, foreign nationals and private tenants. This means we do not have data for registration amongst this group of newly eligible voters. It is important to note that the report was published before the Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Act 2020 ("the Franchise Act") extended the franchise to citizens of all countries who are resident in Scotland and have leave to remain in the UK. Registration among EU and Commonwealth citizens (58%) was lower than UK and Irish citizens (85%). Home movement remains a key driver of under registration with those who have lived at their current address for less than one year much less likely to be registered (32% in Scotland) than those who have lived there for 16 years or more (94%) Registration was highest among those who own outright (95%), compared to those in households buying with a mortgage (87%), social renters (81%) and private renters (49%). Registration levels are significantly lower among young people aged 18-34, with only 68% in Scotland registered, compared to 92% of people aged 55 and over in Scotland. The report estimated that 17% of eligible voters in Scotland are either not registered or not correctly registered at their current address – meaning they have moved home - representing between 630,000 and 890,000 people. The most recent report considered the completeness and accuracy of the registers in December 2018. The Electoral Commission produce a Completeness and Accurate Report on the registers of the Great Britain every four years. Completeness of the electoral register in Scotland There is significant variation between different groups. However, it is estimated by the Electoral Commission that the electoral register in Scotland is roughly 83% complete, meaning 17% of the population who are eligible to vote are either not registered or are not registered correctly. If a person is asked to register and does not, they could be liable for a fine.ĮROs work at a local level to increase voter registration and to target their resources at individuals who may have moved residence to ensure they get the opportunity to register. We want to encourage more people to register to vote, to stand as candidates and to remove the barriers some people experience so they can vote independently." Scottish Government and Scottish Green Party - Shared Policy Programme, September 2021Ī person living in Scotland must register to vote if they are eligible and asked to do so by an Electoral Registration Officer ( ERO). ![]() Turnout at the 2021 Scottish Parliament election was the highest ever, but some groups are less likely to register or vote, including 16- and 17-year-olds and foreign nationals. "We are committed to the fullest possible democratic participation in Scotland. ![]() ![]() The Scottish Government is committed to work to increase voter registration and active participation in elections by under-represented groups, including non‑ UK citizens and young people. Chapter 2 – Voting Increasing registration Background and discussion: ![]()
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