===================================================================== ===================================================================== ===================================================================== === ViveEcosse to Electoral Commission (29th June 2023 @ 12:59pm) === ===================================================================== ===================================================================== ===================================================================== Hi, I was wondering if you could help with what may be a set of theoretical questions, but could have implications practically, in reference to official descriptions on ballot papers for political parties. I've taken a look at the online guidance but I feel it would be beneficial to have a better clarification, as it at times seems to differ between election and type of ballot. ---- 1. In the Scottish Parliament elections it was not uncommon for the ‘regional’ ballot to have a description such as: "Nicola Sturgeon for First Minster" "Ruth Davidson for a Strong Opposition" While the "constituency" ballot seemed to always lack a description. The guidance on the Electoral Commission website seems to state you can use a description instead of a political party name. However the registration form for the regional list seems to indicate it is in addition? Can you please clarify if descriptions can be used in addition to party name for Scottish and Westminster constituency elections, as well as the Scottish regional vote? I've attached an image that demonstrates how it was. -- 2. Do descriptions needs to be unique and if so, how unique? Would the following be acceptable: SNP - United for Independence ALBA - United to Independence -- 3. What are the limits on the description on the ballot paper? Would the following be acceptable as descriptions? Is there a character limit? SNP - Scotland should be Independent. ALBA - Scotland should be Independent. ISP - Scotland should be Independent. -- 4. Would you consider this (point 3) a joint description, even though each party would be standing uniquely and using their own individual emblems? Kind Regards, The Team @ Vive Ecosse Graeme and Allison ===================================================================== ===================================================================== ===================================================================== === Electoral Commission to ViveEcosse (30th June 2023 @ 12:20pm) === ===================================================================== ===================================================================== ===================================================================== Dear Allison and Graeme, Thank you for your e-mail to the Electoral Commission. Descriptions are identity marks that can be used instead of, or alongside, a party name depending on the election. At Scottish Parliamentary elections, the rules differ for regional and constituency ballot papers. For regional ballot papers, a party must use their name and can also use a description alongside if they wish. For constituency ballot papers, a party must use their party name. Additionally at Scottish Parliamentary Elections, if a party name does not include the word "Scottish", it may be added at the start of the name. Our guidance sets out the rules in more detail for Scottish Parliament constituency nominations and regional nominations. At all other elections in the UK, a party can use either a description or a party name on ballot papers - it is for parties to decide which they use in this case. An application to register a description must be authorised by the responsible officers of a party, this is usually the registered leader, nominating officer, and treasurer. When we receive an application to register a description, we will consider it against a number of statutory tests. Where a description can appear on ballot papers without the party name, it must also make clear the identity of the party. As stated in our guidance, a description cannot be, in our opinion, the same as another registered name or description, it cannot be likely to cause a voter confusion with another registered party, and it cannot be likely to mislead a voter as to the effect of their vote. We cannot confirm whether a description is likely to be approved or rejected outside of a formal assessment. It is for the delegated decision maker to come to a decision following our robust and thorough assessment process, where we will consider all relevant and available information. A joint description is a separate registration from a description and must be applied for as such. A joint description can be applied for by two or more parties so that they can stand a joint candidate and must be authorised by the responsible officers of all parties involved. An example of a joint descriptions is 'Labour and Co-operative Party'. A joint description must meet all of the same requirements as a description, including making clear the identity of the parties within the description. In the example above, both party’s names are included in full. Kind regards, {{{REDACTED}}} Senior Officer Regulation and Campaigning (Scotland) The Electoral Commission Tel: 0131 225 0210 www.electoralcommission.org.uk