Directions from the Convener of the EMB to ROs and EROs regarding the Scottish Local Government Elections in 2022

On 4 November 2021 the Convener of the EMB made a series of Directions to Returning Officers and Electoral Registration Officers regarding how they should conduct the delivery of the locla government elections on 5 May 2022.   These Directions, the covering letter and the related print timetable are now available for download from this website.   

Ultimately the Directions are focussed on consistency in key elements of the election, especially those facing the voter, and adequate contingency to ensure appropriate resilience.

These Directions are the product of the experience of delivery of a number of major electoral events over recent years, especially the Scottish Parliament Election in May of 2021 which has provided many lessons to ROs and EROs. They are also informed by a review of the conduct of the Scottish Local Government Elections in May 2017 and subsequent by-elections, especially those under Covid conditions. Thesuccessful operation in the context of the pandemic has a legacy that will continue into future events.

The Directions are intended to coordinate delivery of the elections across Scotland to promote the interests of the voter. The overall goal, as ever, is to deliver results that will be trusted as accurate, resulting from elections that are accessible, consistent, efficient and secure. The experience of COVID emphasised that there is a duty to promote operations that are safe for all stakeholders not just in terms of electoral integrity, but also around health. These goals are to be achieved through a consistency in voter experience and a resilient approach to planning. The Directions will assist ROs, EROs and other persons in carrying out their functions. I also intend that they will promote best practice in the planning and management of elections in Scotland.