Consultation on Prisoner Voting

Overview

This is the Scottish Government’s consultation on Prisoner Voting. It sets out the Scottish Government’s proposal for ensuring compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights on the matter of prisoners voting. The proposal relates to Scottish Parliament and local government elections.

The consultation sets out the background to the issue and seeks views on a proposal to allow only those prisoners sentenced to short sentences to vote. The Scottish Government’s view is that it is not appropriate to give all prisoners the right to vote.

Why your views matter

The Scottish Parliament gained new powers over elections as a result of the Scotland Act 2016. Consideration must now be given as to how to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights in relation to prisoners voting.

Views are sought on a proposal to enable only prisoners sentenced to short sentences to vote and on what the appropriate length of sentence should be. Views are also sought on the practical issues associated with giving some prisoners the right to vote.

Download the consultation paper.