A DRIVE to increase voter participation is being launched in Scotland ahead of a planned second independence referendum.
The Scottish Government is launching a consultation later this year to “gather the views from the people of Scotland on how electoral reform can best be achieved”.
The step has been revealed in a report outlining the progress made in the year since the co-operation agreement deal was reached with between the SNP and the Greens.
It comes after voter turnout for the Holyrood election in 2021 reached 63.5% for the regional ballot - the highest-ever for a Scottish Parliament election.
As well as outlining plans for holding indyref2 next October, the SNP has said it will fight the next General Election as a “de-facto” independence referendum, which is expected to rely on more than 50% of votes being cast for pro-Yes parties.
The report, Delivering a Greener, Fairer, Independent Scotland – One Year On, states: “The Scottish Government believes that the Scottish people should have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
“Turnout for the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections was higher than ever, and ministers have committed to promote legislation on electoral reform that enables more people to stand as candidates at Scottish Parliament and local government elections, and to improve the accessibility of elections, with a particular focus on people with sight loss, to ensure as many people can vote as possible.”
The report says the Scottish Government is looking at building on work supporting citizens' assemblies.
The SNP Holyrood manifesto in 2021 previously pledged to run such gatherings annually to look at “more complex issues” and that a citizens' assembly would be held before an independence referendum.
“Furthermore, a Scottish Government consultation on electoral reform will launch later this year to gather the views from the people of Scotland on how electoral reform can best be achieved in Scotland,” the report adds.
“Ministers recognise that creating a range of meaningful and inclusive opportunities for the people of Scotland to have their say on what matters to them is a vital part of a healthy democracy.”
