The Scottish government has set out a range of potential changes to how MSPs and councillors are elected. A public consultation has been launched on proposals for widespread reform of Scotland’s electoral systems. These include term limits for Holyrood and councils, expanding the voting franchise to all residents and trying out “innovative” electronic voting. Government business minister Joe Fitzpatrick said it was “a good time to think about modernising” the system. Holyrood took on new powers over the running of elections under the 2016 Scotland Act.
Ministers believe these “open up new possibilities for democratic renewal and putting the voter first”, and have put a range of potential changes out for public consultation.
According to the consultation document, the Scottish government “plans to trial innovative electronic voting methods”.
Votes could be cast either on electronic voting machines in polling stations – “similar to ticket machines at railway stations or supermarket automated checkouts” – or remotely, via home computers or mobile devices.
Full Article: Scottish electoral reform proposals set out – BBC News.